Karnataka imposes 1-year ban on gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine

Karnataka has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine across the state for one year. The ban, issued on June 15, 2026, also covers separately marketed tobacco or nicotine products designed to be mixed by consumers.Karnataka has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco.Karnataka has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine across the state for one year, citing public health concerns.The ban was issued through a notification dated June 15, 2026, by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka State. The notification was issued under clause (a) of Sub-section (2) of Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, read with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.The order prohibits gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine.It also covers any other products marketed separately that contain tobacco or nicotine in the final product, regardless of their name. The restriction applies whether such products are packaged or unpackaged and whether they are sold as one product or as separate products packaged in a manner that easily facilitates mixing by the consumer. The notification specifically includes gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient and packed in sachets, pouches, packages or containers, or under any other name.The notification was issued by the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Bengaluru. - EndsPublished On: Aug 12, 2026 13:30 IST