Maldives Customs Services has announced that, effective today, goods brought in for personal use up to the value of MVR 10,000 will be exempt from duty charges. This marks a significant increase from the previous exemption threshold of MVR 6,000.
The revised policy, which came into effect yesterday, outlines changes to the duty exemption rules for goods brought in by travellers, for personal use, and as business samples. According to the amendment, if the Free On Board (FOB) price determined by Customs exceeds MVR 10,000, a goods declaration form must be submitted for imports. Duty will then be charged on the amount exceeding the MVR 10,000 exemption.
Additionally, the policy stipulates that even if the FOB value is less than MVR 10,000, Customs may require a goods declaration form and impose duty if the goods are deemed to be of commercial quantity.
For items brought in by post, each tracking number will be considered a separate shipment. Goods arriving in the same postbag under a single recipient’s name will also be treated as a single shipment.
The policy also provides an exemption for medicines, allowing individuals to bring in a six-month supply with a prescription, free of duty charges.
This new amendment aims to streamline the import process and reduce the financial burden on individuals bringing in goods for personal use, while ensuring that commercial imports are appropriately regulated.
Maldives Customs Services encourages all travellers and importers to familiarise themselves with the updated regulations to ensure compliance and to take advantage of the increased duty exemption where applicable.
