India has opened new opportunities for sustainable packaging by permitting recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in food contact materials. This regulatory shift presents significant opportunities for global traders and suppliers in the food packaging sector.
India's Food Regulations Background
In 2018, India issued the nation’s Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 (the Regulation) to regulate food contact materials and articles.
The Regulation was revised twice in 2022 to update its requirements:
- Food Safety and Standard (Packaging) First Amendment Regulations, 2022
- Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Second Amendment Regulations, 2022, by adding specific migration limit values for antimony and phthalic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (DEHP) in food contact plastics (SafeGuardS 115/22 and references therein)
Additionally, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an authorizing mechanism in 2022 for recycled plastic manufacturers as per the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2022, permitting the use of recycled plastic as FCM.
Latest Regulatory Updates
In March 2025, the FSSAI published the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, (the Amendment) to revise the Regulation (consolidated version-V dated April 2025) by permitting products made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing of food products, providing that standards and guidelines are notified by the food authority. These packaging materials must comply with applicable national standards or regulations.
Implementation Timeline
The Amendment became effective on March 28, 2025 – the day of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Global suppliers and buyers can leverage these regulatory changes to:
- Explore new market entry strategies for sustainable packaging solutions, and food containers alike
- Connect with certified PET recycling manufacturers through hktdc.com Sourcing
- Access compliance guidance for Indian market requirements
Open your door to food and beverage sourcing by clicking the banner below:
This article is originally published by SGS. For more details, please visit SGS TIC Mall.
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