The government has announced a significant increase in import duties on e-cigarettes and related vaping products as part of amendments to the Export-Import Act. The new changes, proposed by Mahchangoalhi North MP Ibrahim Mohamed, are aimed at raising taxes on various vaping items and enforcing a ban on their import starting from mid-next month.
The amendments will introduce several key changes:
- A 50% increase in duty on e-cigarettes, other smoking-related tobacco products, and the chemical flavours used in these products.
- An additional MVR 8 per millilitre will be charged for liquid nicotine or vaping fluids.
- A 200% duty increase on vaping devices, tobacco heating products, and their components and parts.
These amendments will come into effect on the 1st of next month, with a full import ban on vaping products to follow from the 15th of November.
Addressing public concerns, Attorney General Ahmed Usham made a statement on social media platform X, highlighting that these measures are part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to reducing tobacco use and improving public health. Usham emphasised that these regulatory actions demonstrate the government’s dedication to tackling the health risks posed by vaping products.
