NEW DELHI: Karnataka has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutka 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 gutka 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.
