The Maldives will implement a comprehensive ban on the use, sale, and distribution of vaping products starting 12am on 15 December, following amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. The updated legislation, which also prohibits the import of vape devices and related products, marks the first revision of the Act in 14 years.
The amendments, introduced by the government in October and ratified last month, include a phased rollout. The import of vaping products was banned on 15 November, with the complete prohibition on their use, sale, and distribution taking effect from 15 December.
Violations of the vaping ban carry significant financial penalties. Importers will face fines of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 levied for each imported device or product. Retailers selling banned items will incur fines of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 per item sold. Those distributing vaping products without charge face fines of MVR 10,000. Selling or distributing vaping products to minors will attract an additional penalty of MVR 50,000. Individual users will also face fines, set at MVR 5,000 per offence.
In addition to the vaping ban, the amendments raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. From Sunday, the sale of tobacco to individuals under 21 will be prohibited, as part of broader efforts to curb youth smoking.
The legislation also introduces stricter penalties for smoking in prohibited areas, reinforcing public health measures.
These changes come alongside increased duties on tobacco products, resulting in a significant price hike. A pack of cigarettes, which previously cost MVR 100, now exceeds this price.
The revised Tobacco Control Act, originally passed in 2010, reflects the government’s intensified efforts to tackle tobacco use and regulate the availability of vaping products, with the aim of promoting public health and reducing tobacco-related harm in the Maldives.
