The government has banned the importation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and complementary products to the Maldives, starting today. The ban took effect today, following the ratification of the first amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The government decided to control the use of tobacco and related products in multiple phases. Under these efforts, President Dr. Muizzu ratified the 19th Amendment of the Export-Import Act, introducing significant increases to the import duties on tobacco and tobacco products imported to the Maldives. Meawhiel, the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices in the Maldives. The provisions related to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices will take effect on December 15, as part of the second phase of the initiative. Upon ratification and the implementation of the bill, tobacco use in all government institution buildings and their premises will be prohibited, fines will be levied for both users and property owners or operators if is tobacco is used illegally in business or service establishments, with potential suspension of smoking permits and temporary suspension of business licences. Additionally, the sale of any tobacco or related products to individuals under 21 years or involving persons under 21 in tobacco sales transactions, or the sale of such products without the age verification of the buyer through an identity card or official documentation will be banned. Any individual who sells or distributes a vaping device to a minor will face a fine of USD 3,242, in addition to penalties for the sale and distribution of such devices. Public display or advertisement for the products will also be prohibited. Moreover, the proposed amendment prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices such as e-cigarettes. Should such items be imported into the Maldives, a fine of USD 3,242 will be levied, along with a fine of USD 648 for each individual item. The bill specifies a fine of USD 1,297 for selling any type of vaping device and a fine of USD 648 for each item sold. Furthermore, the implementation of the bill bans the growth of any tobacco plants or producing tobacco products in the Maldives, the importation of tobacco plants, seeds, or any parts that could be used for growing tobacco, and manufacturing any tobacco products in the Maldives. With this, the illegal import, export, distribution, or sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices are also be prohibited.
