Maldives strengthens tobacco trade regulations

The Maldivian Ministry of Health now requires all individuals and businesses dealing with tobacco to obtain official licences, as part of the General Rules on Tobacco Control. Applications must be submitted via the HPA’s OneGov portal, with licensing fees ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 and renewals required every five years. A three-month grace period has been given, after which violators risk fines starting at MVR 50,000 and potentially reaching MVR 1 million.

The Maldivian Ministry of Health now requires all individuals and businesses dealing with tobacco to obtain official licences, as part of the General Rules on Tobacco Control. Applications must be submitted via the HPA’s OneGov portal, with licensing fees ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 and renewals required every five years. A three-month grace period has been given, after which violators risk fines starting at MVR 50,000 and potentially reaching MVR 1 million.