Maldivian Government Proposes Significant Duty Hike on Cigarettes and Vaping Products

The Maldivian government has introduced a bill proposing a substantial increase in the import duty on cigarettes and vaping products as part of a wider strategy to curb tobacco use in the country. The legislation, which has now been referred to the Parliament committee for further examination, passed the House of Representatives with strong support, receiving 65 votes in favor out of 71 members. However, three members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) opposed the measure.

Proposed Duty Hikes and Vaping Ban

The proposed bill seeks to implement significant increases in duties on both traditional and alternative tobacco products. Specifically, it includes:

  • A 200% increase in the duty on vaping devices, with plans for a complete ban on the import of these products by November 15.
  • A 50% increase in the duty on cigarettes, beedis, and heated tobacco products.

These changes reflect the government’s determination to discourage the use of tobacco and nicotine-based products by making them more expensive and less accessible to the public.

New Age Restrictions and Public Health Initiatives

As part of the same legislative package, the government is also moving to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years. This initiative, along with the duty hikes, forms part of the Maldivian government’s broader efforts to combat tobacco consumption and promote public health.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the new specific and ad valorem rates on tobacco products will take effect from November 1, marking the first stage of the government’s campaign to reduce smoking rates and regulate the availability of vaping products.

Opposition and Political Response

While the bill received overwhelming support, the three opposing members from the MDP raised concerns about the impact of these measures on local businesses and individuals who rely on these products. Nevertheless, the government maintains that these reforms are necessary to safeguard the health of Maldivians and reduce the long-term burden of tobacco-related diseases.

The bill will now be further reviewed by the Parliament committee, and if approved, the proposed measures are expected to bring about significant changes in the availability and cost of tobacco products across the Maldives.

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