Bengaluru:The government has taken a big step against tobacco and nicotine products in Karnataka. Keeping public health in mind, the manufacturing and sale of Gutkha and Pan Masala has been banned in the state for one year. This order will be applicable in entire Karnataka. This ban has been imposed through a notification issued by the Food Safety Commissioner of Karnataka on June 15, 2026. The order has been issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sale) Regulations, 2011.

According to the notification, there will be a ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. This means that the entire process from preparing these products to delivering and selling them in the market will be banned. The government has not limited the scope of this decision to only gutkha and pan masala. Other products containing tobacco or nicotine will also come under this ban, irrespective of their name or brand.

Packets and loose products also banned

This ban will not only apply to packed goods, but such products sold in the open will also be within its scope. Additionally, if a product contains tobacco or nicotine and is sold in separate parts that can be easily mixed and used by the customer, it will also be subject to the ban. The notification specifically mentions those gutkha and pan masala products which contain tobacco or nicotine as an ingredient. Such products are sold packed in pouches, bags, packets or any other type of container.

The order will remain in effect for one year

This decision of the government has been taken in view of the possible health harm caused by the use of tobacco and nicotine products. The notification has been issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Bengaluru. Under this, the ban imposed on products in the state will remain effective for a period of one year.