India Amends FSSAI Packaging Regulations to Permit Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced significant amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2025 to allow the use of specific categories of recycled plastics in food packaging. The amendments were published in the Official Gazette on 28 March 2025 and came into effect from the date of publication. They support the move towards sustainable packaging while ensuring consumer safety. 

Key Highlights of the Amendment 

• Use of Recycled Plastics: Certain categories of recycled plastics are now permitted in food packaging, subject to strict quality and safety standards. 

• Safety Compliance: All recycled plastics must meet specific migration limits to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. 

• Approved Recycling Methods: Only plastics processed through FSSAI-approved recycling technologies can be used. 

• Traceability and Labeling: Packaging must be clearly labeled to indicate the use of recycled materials and ensure traceability. 

Stakeholder Impacts 

For Manufacturers: 

• Compliance with new testing and certification requirements is mandatory. 

• Recycled plastics must be sourced from authorized suppliers using approved recycling processes. 

For Food Businesses and Brands: 

• Packaging materials must be sourced from FSSAI-compliant suppliers. 

• Internal quality checks must be updated to align with the new material standards. 

For Consumers: 

• The amendment ensures safer food packaging with greater transparency. 

• Consumers will have access to more sustainable packaging options. 

Compliance Requirements and Next Steps 

• Testing and Certification: Businesses must get their packaging materials certified under FSSAI guidelines. 

• Implementation Timeline: The regulation is already in force as of 28 March 2025. 

• Regulatory Audits: Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the revised standards. 

Call to Action 

To avoid penalties and ensure regulatory compliance, businesses need to review their packaging materials and align with the new FSSAI standards. Detailed guidelines can be found in the official FSSAI document here.