On 15 June 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) enforces stricter packaging material certification and labelling requirements for all food processors. The circular, issued in late April 2026, mandates third-party testing of non-plastic and recycled-content packaging—a shift affecting procurement, inventory, and labelling workflows across the sector.
For SMEs and mid-cap manufacturers, the 10-day buffer is critical.
Market signals
FSSAI now requires BIS/accredited-lab certification for all non-plastic food contact materials (paper, metal, glass composites). Processors must audit supplier compliance and reject uncertified stock by 14 June.
Packaging must now disclose recycled-content percentage in font ≥2mm on principal display. Retroactive labelling of existing stock is not permitted; inventory produced before 15 June is grandfathered.
Imported packaging materials now require FSSAI pre-clearance linked to IEC-based DGFT notifications. Delays in approval can block shipments; compliance burden has shifted upstream to sourcing teams.
Food processors must ensure all packaging suppliers hold valid FSSAI-recognized certification by 15 June 2026. Non-compliance triggers product recalls, penalties up to ₹5 lakhs, and suspension of manufacturing license. GST input-tax credit on non-compliant packaging purchases may also be denied by departmental notice. Vinayakam Consultants conducts supplier-readiness audits, helps structure packaging procurement contracts with compliance clauses, and advises on inventory transition strategies to avoid write-offs while meeting the deadline.
Your action checklist
- Audit all current packaging suppliers for FSSAI/BIS certification status; request updatedtest reports (valid within 12 months) by 10 June.
- Review existing inventory: segregate pre-15-June stock (grandfathered) from new procurement and prepare disposal/rework plan for non-compliant material.
- Revise labelling artwork with recycled-content percentage and ensure font compliance; submit corrected artwork to printers and obtain samples for QA sign-off by 12 June.
- Engage import logistics and DGFT liaison to confirm pre-clearance status of sourced packaging; allow 5–7 days for FSSAI–DGFT cross-verification before shipment clearance.
Frequently asked questions
The stricter packaging material certification and labelling requirements become mandatory on 15 June 2026. Food processors must ensure supplier compliance and reject uncertified stock by 14 June.
Non-compliance can trigger product recalls, penalties up to ₹5 lakhs, suspension of manufacturing license, and denial of GST input-tax credit on non-compliant packaging purchases.
All non-plastic food contact materials (paper, metal, glass composites) must now hold BIS or accredited-lab certification, with processors responsible for auditing supplier compliance.