Proposal for bringing manufacture of “Other Tobacco Products” such as Khaini, Tobacco blended Pan Masala, Hookah or Gooduku tobacco, Zarda, Bidis and other chewable/eatable tobacco related items under the ambit of compulsory licensing is under consideration with a view to address public health issues.
Initial stakeholder consultations were held with Central Board of Excise and Customs, Planning Commission, Department of Commerce, Tobacco Board, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and office of Development Commissioner, Micro Small & Medium Enterprises.
Comments on the proposal have been sought from concerned Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments and Union Territories. In addition, information of existing production capacity in respect of these items has also been sought for from the State Governments and Union Territories.