Gutkha export in plastic sachets not allowed: CBEC

Exports of gutkha and pan masala in plastic sachets will not be allowed, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has said.

The direction comes amid contrasting views expressed by the Chief Commissioners of Customs on whether to allow exports of gutkha and other tobacco products in plastic sachets after the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, were notified.

Rule 5 of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, prohibit the use of plastic materials in sachets for storing, packaging or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.

The customs officials had differences of opinion on permitting exports of gutkha in packaging that did not adhere to the provisions of the rules on account of a clause that provided for certain exemptions related to "the manufacture of carry bags exclusively for export purposes, by export-oriented units, against an order for export...."

However, the CBEC, in a communication to the Chief Commissioners, said "carry bags and sachets are two distinct items".

"Therefore, export of said goods (pan masala and gutkha) in plastic sachets/plastic material in any form would be in contravention of the provisions of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011," CBEC said.