India Amends Regulations to Allow for the Use of Recycled PET in FCMs

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published an amendment that allows the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food-contact materials (FCMs). The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, which were published on March 28, 2025, update India’s Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Notably, the use of PET in FCMs will remain subject to compliance with national standards and guidelines as notified by India’s Food Authority.

FSSAI initially issued draft regulations that would finally authorize the use of rPET in food-contact applications on May 17, 2022, and requested comments on the proposal. (For additional background information, see the Packaginglaw.com article, India Issues Draft Regulation and Guidelines on the Use of Recycled Plastics in FCMs.)

FSSAI noted in a press release that this new regulation “aligns with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible packaging practices.”