President ratifies the amendment proposed to the Export-Import Act

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 19th Amendment of the Export-Import Act of the Maldives. The amendment was approved by the Parliament on October 31, with the unanimous votes of 71 parliamentarians. The amendment seeks to introduce significant changes to the import duties on tobacco and tobacco products as part of its efforts to control tobacco use. Under the new amendment, the Act has been revised to modify the import regulations for tobacco products, including prepared tobacco, tobacco alternatives, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and their parts. Additionally, President Dr. Muizzu has decided to ban the importation of e-cigarettes, vape products, and related items, starting November 15. The new import duty rates on tobacco and related products are as follows: • General tobacco and prepared tobacco products: 200% duty on all items in this category, excluding specific items listed below. • Cigarettes: 50% duty, plus USD 0.52 per cigarette. • Traditional cigarettes (bidi): 50% duty, plus USD 0.52 per traditional cigarette. • Flavoured chemicals used in electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products: 50% duty, plus USD 0.52 per millilitre. • Heated tobacco products and consumable tobacco sticks: 50% duty, plus USD 0.52 per stick. Furthermore, the Act mandates that all relevant rules and regulations be established or updated within 30 days of the enactment of the amendment and published in the Government Gazette. The 19th Amendment to the Maldives Export-Import Act has now taken effect, marking a new regulatory landscape for the import of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices in the Maldives. The Government anticipates a revenue of USD 68 million next year, from these import duties.