The Committee of the Whole House has approved a government-proposed amendment to reduce the import duty on cigarettes, bidis, and heated tobacco products from MVR 8 to MVR 4.
The bill, submitted by the Member of Parliament for the Komandoo constituency, also includes provisions to eliminate duties on smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gum and patches. While this adjustment is projected to result in an estimated annual revenue loss of MVR 21 million for the state, the amendment was passed unanimously by the committee with 69 votes in favor and without any further modifications.
