The government has introduced stricter tobacco control regulations as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect public health. The new measures, published in the Government Gazette, impose significant restrictions on smoking in public spaces, regulate the sale and import of tobacco products, and introduce penalties for violations.
Under the new regulation, smoking is now prohibited in mosques, schools, government buildings, and all public transportation. The ban also extends to workplaces, government-owned companies, public sports venues, and entertainment facilities. Additionally, the regulation sets specific conditions for designated smoking areas, ensuring they do not pose health risks or encourage smoking.
The Ministry of Health has tightened controls on tobacco trade, requiring businesses involved in the import, sale, or distribution of tobacco products to obtain separate permits. The sale of tobacco to minors under 21 is strictly prohibited, as is the involvement of minors in tobacco-related trade. Advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products have also been further restricted.
A major change introduced by the regulation is the ban on the import of pre-rolled cigarette and bidi tubes, whether filtered or unfiltered, along with empty packs and similar products. However, rolling papers in packets of up to 50 sheets remain permitted. The import of rolling tobacco is limited to packets ranging from 30 grams to 100 grams.
Other limitations have also been placed on tobacco products:
- Cigarettes must be sold in packs of at least 20 sticks.
- Bidi must be sold in packs of at least 50 sticks.
- Cigars must come in packs of at least five sticks.
- Rolling and pipe tobacco must be available in packs between 30 and 100 grams.
- Dried tobacco leaves must be sold in quantities ranging from 30 grams to 1,000 grams.
- Nicotine pouches and similar products must be sold in packs of 15 to 100 grams.
- Chewing tobacco must be sold in quantities ranging from 30 grams to 100 grams.
All tobacco and nicotine products must also carry health warnings issued by the Ministry of Health.
The new regulation follows a series of steps taken by the government to curb tobacco use, including raising import duties on cigarettes and implementing a nationwide ban on vape products. With these latest restrictions, authorities aim to further reduce smoking rates and protect public health in the Maldives.
