Maldives Customs Service has released previously seized shipments of rolling tobacco and related products after deciding against implementing a ban on these items.
The shipments had been detained earlier this month after the Ministry of Health notified Customs of amendments to the Tobacco Act. The amendments included prohibitions on importing various items used for wrapping tobacco, leading to the seizure of rolling tobacco, filters, and wrapping paper starting from 2 January.
Recent developments, however, have seen the release of these shipments, which are now available for sale. While rolling tobacco, filters, and wrapping paper have been returned to traders, tobacco wrapping machines remain withheld, with Customs indicating that these items cannot be released under the current regulations.
Attempts to obtain comments from Customs and the Ministry of Health regarding the reversal of the decision have so far been unsuccessful.
The release has prompted increased activity near shops, with reports of customers queuing in the rain to purchase the products now back on the market.
