Maldives Vape Ban: Police Gain Seizure and Destruction Authority

The Maldives Ministry of Health has enacted stringent tobacco control measures granting police authority to seize and destroy vaping devices found in public or private possession. The updated Tobacco Control General Regulations, gazetted this week, close enforcement loopholes in the nation’s December 2024 vape import and usage ban.

Under the revised rules, officers may confiscate vaping devices and related items during searches – including those conducted without court orders. Seized products will not be returned to owners and face immediate destruction.

“These regulations ensure no loopholes remain for illicit vaping,” a health ministry spokesperson stated. Since the original ban took effect in December 2024, police lacked authority to remove already imported devices from circulation.

Escalating Fines Target Possession and Distribution

Individual possession: MVR 2,000 ($130) fine
Refusal to surrender devices: MVR 50,000 ($3,240) penalty
Public vaping: MVR 5,000 ($324) fine
Distributing free vapes: MVR 10,000 ($648) fine
Selling vapes: MVR 20,000 ($1,296) fine
Underage sales (under 21): MVR 50,000 ($3,240) penalty

Police have issued fines to 29 individuals since December, with stricter enforcement expected under the updated regulations.

The Maldives joins Hong Kong, Australia, and Thailand in adopting aggressive anti-vaping measures. While Hong Kong focuses on public possession bans by 2026 and Australia restricts sales to pharmacies, the Maldives’ approach emphasizes punitive fines and police seizure powers.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.