TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: Maldives

  • President Wants Higher Tobacco Sales Age

    President Wants Higher Tobacco Sales Age

    Photo courtesy of Syed Rashid Alli

    The president of Maldives wants to raise the legal age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21, reports The Edition.

    In a post on the social media platform X, Mohamed Muizzu announced that he will propose amendments to the Tobacco Control Act as part of efforts to discourage young people from adopting tobacco use.

    The revisions will also include stricter enforcement measures to address violations of the law.

    Earlier this month, Muizzu announced a ban on the sale and use of vapes starting Dec. 15, with instructions to relevant authorities to take action on November 14.

    The amendment includes a 50 percent tax on electronic tobacco products and a charge of MVR8 ($0.51) per sticker. It also calls for an MVR8 fee for flavors and chemicals added to tobacco products.

  • Maldives to Raise Tobacco Import Duties

    Maldives to Raise Tobacco Import Duties

    Image: RODWORKS

    The Maldives will raise the import duty on tobacco products from MVR3 ($0.19) to MVR8 from November onward, reports The Edition.

    In a post on social media platform X, President Mohamed Muizzu announced several actions to discourage the use of tobacco products. In addition to raising import duties, the government will increase its ad valorem take from tobacco products by 50 percent and ban smoking in public places.

    Earlier this week, the president announced that a ban on the import, sale, distribution, advertising and use of vapes would take effect in November.

  • Maldives to Ban Vapes

    Maldives to Ban Vapes

    Photo: siraphol

    The Maldives will ban e-cigarettes and related products, reports The Edition, citing an announcement by President Mohamed Muizzu on X. Lawmakers will receive proposed amendments to the island nation’s legislation this week.

    According to the post, the Maldives will outlaw import of all vape products and parts of vape devices from Nov. 15, 2024. Additionally, the use, possession, production, sale, advertisement and distribution of all vape products will become illegal from Dec.15, 2024.

    This decision follows numerous requests from concerned parents, health service providers and groups such as NDC Alliance and the Doctors Association and Nurses Association.

    According to figures shared with Mihaaru News by Maldives Customs Service, local businesses imported vapes worth MVR124.34 million between 2018 and July of this year.

    Currently, some 50 countries ban vapes, including at least five countries in Asia.

  • Maldives: Call for Higher Tobacco Taxes

    Maldives: Call for Higher Tobacco Taxes

    Photo: Kalyakan

    The Maldives’ Health Protection Agency (HPA) has recommended higher taxes to deter tobacco use, reports The Edition.

     In an article published on the Ministry of Health website, the HPA expressed concern over the increasing use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among teenagers and youth.

    According to a 2021-2022 survey, some children in the Maldives begin using tobacco as young as eight years old.

     The Maldives spends MVR1.8 billion ($116,896) annually to import 400 million cigarettes. Significant amounts are also spent on importing e-cigarettes and shisha tobacco, according to the HPA.

    The agency called for further restrictions on tobacco advertising and marketing, along with bans on public smoking to reduce exposure.

  • Maldives to Ditch Import Duty Exemptions

    Maldives to Ditch Import Duty Exemptions

    Image: amazing studio

    The Maldivian government will eliminate import duty exemptions on vape products next month, reports The Edition.

     Deputy Chief Superintendent of Maldives Customs Service Ahmed Niyaz said that the duty exemption previously allowed for tobacco products and vape appliances will be removed starting August 1

    “The Maldives has signed many international treaties on health,” he was quoted as saying. “Allowing exemptions for things such as tobacco is not encouraged by the treaties.”