Officials Highlight MVR 40M+ Penalties, Suggest Fine Cap Amid Rising Smuggling
Maldives Customs officials have expressed serious doubts about the practicality of collecting multi-million Rufiyaa fines imposed on individuals caught smuggling vape products into the country. Speaking before a parliamentary committee reviewing the Tobacco Control Act, officials highlighted the issue of current penalties becoming unrealistically large.
Read moreFollowing last year’s laws raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 and establishing a generational ban (for those born after Jan 1, 2007), the Maldives is considering stricter enforcement. An amendment proposed by MP Ali Ashrag would require tobacco sellers to demand official government ID if they doubt a buyer’s age.
This places greater responsibility on vendors, potentially involving penalties for non-compliance. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the urgency, noting that over 30% of the population falls under the generational ban. The move, alongside a previous vape import ban, aims to solidify the nation’s plan for a tobacco-free generation.
The Maldives Ministry of Health announced Sunday (April.19) that applications are now open for mandatory new Tobacco Sales Licenses. Under a recent amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, all wholesale and retail sellers of tobacco products must secure this specific license from the ministry, in addition to existing trade licenses.
Read moreThe Maldives cabinet has decided to implement a generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Under this ban, the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco will be prohibited for those falling under this age category. The ban is set to come into effect on November 1, 2025, following a six-month period allocated for enforcement authorities to revise existing regulations in line with the amended law.
Read moreThinking of packing your vape for your next international trip? You might want to reconsider. While vaping might be commonplace in places like Luxembourg or parts of the US, the legal landscape globally is a complex patchwork. Many popular tourist destinations have implemented strict anti-vaping laws, ranging from hefty fines to, in some cases, actual prison sentences. Ignorance of these laws won’t protect you, and what’s perfectly legal at home could lead to serious trouble abroad.
Read morePresident Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has announced plans to introduce a generation ban. The announcement came during the President’s podcast, “Rayyithunnaa Eku” [With Citizens], where he discussed existing measures and future plans to control tobacco use in the country.
Read moreThe 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.
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