HPA extends tobacco health warning enforcement deadline
The agency also announced updates to the list of registered tobacco products. The updated list includes all tobacco products imported within a specified timeframe before the regulation came into force, as well as new products registered for import after the rules were implemented.
Health warning for tobacco products: HPA has given six more months to enforce health warning labels on tobacco products | Twitter (X)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Wednesday extended the deadline for displaying health warnings or labels on tobacco products by an additional six months.
The deadline, which was originally set to expire on January 28, has now been moved to July 28, according to the agency.
The public health authority announced several amendments to the regulations governing the registration of tobacco products and the mandatory placement of health warnings under the General Regulations on Tobacco Control. Included among these amendments was the decision to extend the transition period.
The agency stated that from July 28 onward, tobacco products may only be imported and sold in the Maldives if they carry the required health warnings or labels.
Importers currently bringing in tobacco products without such warnings have been advised to clear their existing stocks before the July 27 deadline.
HPA further clarified that there are no restrictions on importing or selling products that already carry the mandatory health warnings prior to July 28.
The extension was granted to allow businesses additional time to comply with the new requirements.
The agency also announced updates to the list of registered tobacco products. The updated list includes all tobacco products imported within a specified timeframe before the regulation came into force, as well as new products registered for import after the rules were implemented.
New tobacco products will be added to the list along with their registration numbers.
HPA noted that different flavors of the same brand, as well as variations based on packaging quantities and country of origin, are now classified as separate products in the registry.
While government authorities say that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is taking significant measures to curb tobacco use in the Maldives, concerns persist over the growing prevalence of illicit tobacco trade.
Recent reports have pointed to large-scale cigarette smuggling through major ports, along with cases involving the theft of confiscated cigarettes from police custody.
