Sale, use of vapes banned with heavy fines imposed
It is now prohibited to sell any tobacco products or tobacco-derived items to individuals under 21
Vaping devices
The use, import, sale, and free distribution of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products have been banned in the Maldives under the Tobacco Control Act.
Additional restrictions have been implemented starting at 12 a.m. Sunday. These include prohibiting tobacco use in all government buildings and their premises. If tobacco is used without permission in businesses or service establishments, both the user and the owner or operator of the premises will be fined, the permit for tobacco use in that location will be revoked, and the business license may be temporarily suspended.
Further, it is now prohibited to sell any tobacco products or tobacco-derived items to individuals under 21 years of age, or to involve them in any tobacco sales transactions.
Under the new law, sellers must verify that tobacco buyers are at least 21 years old by requesting official identification or a valid document proving age before making a sale.
Advertising tobacco products is also banned. Displaying tobacco products, packages, cartons, or similar items visibly to the public in shops or transporting them visibly is considered advertising and is prohibited by law.
The law also bans the cultivation of tobacco plants and the production of tobacco products in the Maldives to any extent.
In addition to this, importing tobacco plants, seeds, or any parts that could be used to grow tobacco plants is prohibited from 15 December 2024. The law also bans advertising, sponsoring, and promoting tobacco products.
The illegal import, export, distribution, or sale of tobacco or any tobacco products in the Maldives is prohibited. Further, the import and sale of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products are banned, with fines set for violations.
Fines for importing vaping devices and related products are set at MVR 50,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each electronic cigarette or vaping device imported.
Selling such devices or products will result in a fine of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each item sold. Free distribution will incur a fine of MVR 10,000. If sold to a minor, the fine will increase to MVR 50,000.
