Karnataka bans sale of gutka, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for one year
The Karnataka government has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the
The Karnataka government has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the State for a period of one year. The notification was issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, on June 15, 2026, under Section 30(2)(a) 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 ban covers gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine, besides any other products marketed separately that contain tobacco or nicotine in the final product, irrespective of the name under which they are sold. The prohibition applies to both packaged and unpackaged products. It also covers products packed separately but sold or distributed in a manner that facilitates their easy mixing by consumers.
The notification specifically includes gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine that are packed in sachets, pouches, packages, containers or sold under any other name. The Food
Safety Commissioner said the prohibition has been imposed in the interest of public health and will remain in force across Karnataka for one year from the date of notification.
The BriefWire