Maldives Enforces Vape Ban and Tougher Tobacco Laws, Minister Ihusan Announces

The Maldives is gearing up for a significant crackdown on vaping and tobacco use. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan, has confirmed that amendments to the vape import ban and Tobacco Control Act will be put into action. He stressed that these changes won’t just be legal formalities—they’ll be visible on the streets. The government’s decisive steps aim to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health.

Minister Ihusan Promises Visible Impact on Streets

Minister Ihusan is confident that the new laws will make a real difference.

He assured that:

• Law enforcement agencies will rigorously enforce the law.
• Citizens will notice a tangible change in tobacco control efforts.
• Uniformed bodies will have expanded roles in enforcing these laws.

“We’re taking all necessary measures to regulate tobacco effectively,” he stated. The minister’s commitment reflects a strong governmental push towards a healthier society.

Vape Import Duties Set to Skyrocket

Big changes are coming for vape importers in the Maldives.

Starting November 1, duties on imported vapes will increase significantly:

• A 50% tax on electronic tobacco products will be introduced.
• Import duty specific rate will rise from MVR 3 to MVR 8.
• After November 15, duties will escalate even further.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has also announced a complete ban on the sale and use of vapes starting December 15. Importers and retailers will need to adjust quickly to these new regulations.

Legal Smoking Age to Increase from 18 to 21

Young people will soon face stricter laws regarding tobacco.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu plans to propose amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, aiming to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. This move is designed to discourage tobacco use among youths. The proposed changes also include stricter enforcement measures to address violations of the Act.

These amendments come after 14 years of the Tobacco Control Act being in effect. The government believes that raising the legal age will help reduce the number of young smokers.

Concerns Over Vape Smuggling Addressed

There’s been worry about vapes being smuggled into the country.

Minister Ihusan assured that the amendments to the law would effectively tackle the issue of smuggling. He emphasized that enforcement agencies are prepared to implement the law robustly to prevent illegal imports. The expansion of roles for uniformed bodies will aid in cracking down on illicit activities.

With these measures, the government aims to control the circulation of unauthorized vaping products. The focus is on protecting public health and ensuring the laws are upheld.