India Proposes Ban on PFAS and BPA in Food Contact Materials in Amendment Packaging Regulations

On 6 October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. The draft aims to prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, thereby strengthening India’s food packaging safety framework further.

First notified in December 2018, the packaging regulations set out clear standards to ensure that packaging materials used for food are safe and suitable, and do not contaminate the food product. The regulations cover aspects such as the type of packaging materials used, migration limits, and labeling requirements, with periodic updates to reflect new scientific evidence and global best practices.

Key Highlights of the Draft Notification

The FSSAI has proposed the following amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018:

Ban on PFAS in Food Contact Materials:

• New sub-regulation (15) under General Requirements states that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be used in the manufacture of food contact materials.
• PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with potential health risks and environmental concerns.

Elimination of BPA in Packaging:

• New sub-regulation (16) mandates that packaging made from polycarbonate and epoxy resins must be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives.
• BPA is widely recognized as an endocrine disruptor, and its restriction aligns India’s standards with international best practices. 

Significance of the Amendment

• Enhanced Consumer Protection: It minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals through food packaging.
• Global Alignment: Brings Indian standards closer to those in developed markets, thereby supporting exports and compliance.
• Sustainability Focus: Encourages the use of safer and more environmentally friendly packaging materials.

Public Consultation Period

Objections or suggestions may be submitted within 60 days of the Gazette notification being made public. Stakeholders, including food businesses, packaging manufacturers, and consumer groups, are encouraged to review the draft notification carefully and submit their inputs within the consultation period.