Mokokchung, 8th June, 2026 (Nokinketer News): The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has urged the Nagaland Government to clarify the implementation details of the recently notified prohibition on food products containing tobacco and nicotine, while seeking a reasonable transition period for businesses likely to be affected by the ban.

In a press statement issued in response to Notification No. DHFW-21/FSSA/3/2023-24/261-74 dated June 2, 2026, issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare under the authority of the Commissioner of Food Safety and Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, MCCI stated that while it respects the directions of the Supreme Court and the legal provisions cited in the notification, certain concerns need to be addressed to ensure smooth implementation.

The MCCI pointed out that although the notification states that the prohibition will remain in force across Nagaland for one year, it does not explicitly specify the date on which the order takes effect. According to MCCI, the absence of a clear commencement date has created confusion among the public, particularly within the business community.

Highlighting the economic implications of the ban, MCCI stressed that economic health is as important as public health and cautioned against the abrupt enforcement of the prohibition. It noted that an immediate implementation would effectively render several products contraband overnight, adversely affecting retailers, stockists and wholesalers across the state.

The chamber further urged the government to consider the practical realities of business operations and provide at least one month’s grace period to allow traders to dispose of existing stock, either by returning products through the supply chain or by other appropriate means. Failure to do so, it said, could result in substantial financial losses running into crores of rupees for businesses.

MCCI also expressed concern that notifications introduced without adequate consultation with stakeholders may lead to unintended and counterproductive outcomes, potentially affecting the state’s ease of doing business initiatives.

While affirming its willingness to cooperate with the government, the chamber maintained that the success of the prohibition would depend on market realities, enforcement capacity, economic factors and long-term behavioural change. It cautioned that, despite the government’s intentions, the ban could face challenges similar to previous prohibition measures if not implemented effectively.

The chamber further warned that an unintended consequence of the ban could be the emergence of black-market suppliers, which may create additional public health risks and undermine the objectives of the notification.

MCCI also appealed to the authorities to ensure that legitimate traders are not subjected to unnecessary harassment, arbitrary penalties or coercive enforcement measures. It urged the concerned departments to urgently address the ambiguities surrounding the notification and provide clear guidelines for its implementation.

Reiterating its support for measures aimed at protecting public health, MCCI stated that such policies should be implemented in a manner that also safeguards the interests of lawful businesses and the broader economy.

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