,India has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2025, introducing significant new safety requirements for food contact materials (FCMs) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The amendments revise the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 with the objective of strengthening consumer health protection and aligning with evolving global safety expectations for food packaging.
Key Amendments Introduced
The amendment inserts two new sub-regulations under Regulation 3 General Requirements, following sub-regulation (14):
1. Prohibition of PFAS in Food Contact Materials
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now explicitly prohibited from being used in the manufacture of food contact materials.
PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals, are widely used for their grease- and water-resistant properties but are associated with persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
This prohibition applies across all categories of food contact materials covered under the Packaging Regulations.
2. Ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in Certain Materials
Food contact materials manufactured using polycarbonate and epoxy resins must now be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives.
BPA has been linked to endocrine-disrupting effects, and its removal from food packaging materials reflects a precautionary, consumer-safety-focused regulatory approach.
Regulatory Impact
The amendments will have a direct impact on:
Manufacturers of food packaging materials
Food business operators using packaging made from plastics, polycarbonate, or epoxy-based coatings
Importers of packaged foods and food contact materials
Businesses will need to reassess raw materials, formulations, supplier declarations, and compliance documentation to ensure that packaging materials placed on the Indian market are free from PFAS and BPA where applicable.
Compliance Considerations
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