NationalThursday, 30 April 2026·The Hindu
FSSAI draft norms target eco-friendly pan masala packaging in 2026
FSSAI issued a draft amendment on 28 April 2026 to regulate pan masala packaging materials.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 28 April 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 for pan masala packaging.
Key specifics
- The draft allows paper, paperboard and cellulose as naturally derived packaging materials.
- Tin and glass containers remain permitted under the proposal.
- Plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and synthetic polymers are prohibited.
- Aluminium foil and metallized layers are also banned.
- The amendment is aligned with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Exam lens
Question type: regulatory amendment, material ban, act-rule linkage. Key facts: FSSAI, 28 April 2026, Packaging Regulations 2018, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, paperboard, PVC. TNPSC one-liner: “Which 2026 draft amendment banned plastic and metallized layers in pan masala packaging?”