President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to Act No. 15/2010 (Tobacco Control Act). The amendment was passed in the 48th sitting of the 20th Parliament on 12 November 2024.
The bill prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices in the Maldives.
Additionally, upon ratification and implementation of this bill, the following will also be prohibited:
– Tobacco use in all government institution buildings and their premises
– Fines for both users and property owners or operators if tobacco is used illegally in business or service establishments, with potential suspension of smoking permits and temporary suspension of business licences
– Sale of any tobacco products to persons under 21 years or involving persons under 21 in tobacco sales transactions
– Selling tobacco products without verifying the buyer’s age through ID or official documentation proving they are over 21
– Advertisement of any tobacco products
– Display of tobacco products or their packaging in retail locations visible to the public, with such displays being considered advertising
– Growing any tobacco plants or producing tobacco products in the Maldives
– Importing tobacco plants, seeds, or any parts that could be used for growing tobacco, and manufacturing any tobacco products in the Maldives
– Illegal advertising, sponsorship, or promotion of tobacco products
– Illegal import, export, distribution, or sale of tobacco or tobacco products
The import and sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices are prohibited, and fines have been established for violations of the law.
Following the President’s ratification of the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, it has been published in the Government Gazette today. The provisions related to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices (Section 10-2) will take effect on 15 December 2024, while other provisions will be effective from 15 November 2024.
