Gujarat Extends Ban on Gutkha and Pan Masala for Another Year

The Gujarat government has announced an extension of its ban on gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for another year, effective from September 13, 2026. This decision, rooted in public health concerns and feedback from NGOs, aims to combat the carcinogenic risks associated with these products. The ban, which has been in place since 2012, will continue to cover all related products and their components. Enforcement agencies are set to take strict action against violations, ensuring that the prohibition remains uninterrupted until September 12, 2027. This move reflects the state's commitment to protecting citizens' health amidst rising tobacco consumption rates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 17:09 IST

Gujarat's Prolonged Ban on Tobacco Products

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Gandhinagar, Aug 31: The Gujarat government has decided to extend its prohibition on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of gutkha and pan masala that contain tobacco or nicotine for an additional year. This renewed ban will take effect from September 13, 2026, and will remain in place until September 12, 2027.

The Food Safety Commissioner announced this decision on August 31, highlighting public health concerns and feedback from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

This ban has been in effect since 2012 and will continue to apply to these products regardless of their branding.

The order also encompasses ingredients sold separately that are meant to be mixed to create gutkha or pan masala with tobacco or nicotine as the end product.

Officials have warned that strict legal measures will be enforced against anyone who violates this prohibition.

Research from Tata Memorial Hospital, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and ‘HAMER’ has shown that the use of gutkha and pan masala is carcinogenic and significantly heightens the risk of oral cancer.

The notification also cites data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), which indicates that 35% of adults in India use tobacco, with 21% engaging in smokeless tobacco consumption.

The state government emphasized that the decision to prolong the ban was made to safeguard public health and in response to requests from NGOs.

This renewed order ensures that the restrictions that Gujarat has upheld for over a decade will continue.

The ban specifically targets gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, along with separately sold components intended to bypass the prohibition by being mixed later.

Enforcement agencies have been instructed to take action against the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of the products outlined in the notification.

As a result, the existing prohibition will remain uninterrupted from September 13 this year until September 12, 2027.