Karnataka Bans Tobacco and Nicotine Products for One Year

The Government of Karnataka issued a notification on August 10, 2026, prohibiting the manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of products containing tobacco and nicotine across the state for one year. The ban specifically targets gutkha, pan masala, and other tobacco-based products, including those packaged separately for consumer mixing. The Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration initiated the action under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related 2011 regulations to promote a healthy and addiction-free state.

Food Safety Officers have launched special inspection and enforcement operations to ensure compliance. In response, the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd and the All-India Arecanut Growers’ Association urged the government to distinguish between prohibited nicotine products and arecanut as an agricultural commodity. Industry leaders noted that Karnataka produces over 75% of India's arecanut and generated ₹379.34 crore in GST from arecanut-based products in 2025-26.

Campco President SR Satishchandra stated that while the cooperative respects the public health objective, enforcement must not result in unintended consequences for the legitimate arecanut trade or the livelihoods of farmers.