The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that beginning January 28, 2026, all tobacco products imported into the Maldives must display health warnings printed directly on their packaging.
In a statement issued this week, the HPA said the change is in line with the Tobacco Control Act and Chapter 5 of the Tobacco Control Regulations, which set the requirements for the packaging and labeling of both imported and locally sold tobacco products.
The move follows the first amendment to the Design and Layout Requirements for Health Warnings on Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products, which was published in the government gazette on July 29. The updated regulations now include heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches within their scope.
According to the HPA, tobacco products that do not comply with the new packaging rules after the implementation date will be subject to enforcement under the relevant laws and regulations.
The amendment is part of broader changes introduced under the recently updated Tobacco Control Act, which came into effect on July 15. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Health is also moving toward requiring tobacco-related businesses to obtain official licenses, in line with international health standards.
In a statement issued this week, the HPA said the change is in line with the Tobacco Control Act and Chapter 5 of the Tobacco Control Regulations, which set the requirements for the packaging and labeling of both imported and locally sold tobacco products.
The move follows the first amendment to the Design and Layout Requirements for Health Warnings on Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products, which was published in the government gazette on July 29. The updated regulations now include heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches within their scope.
According to the HPA, tobacco products that do not comply with the new packaging rules after the implementation date will be subject to enforcement under the relevant laws and regulations.
The amendment is part of broader changes introduced under the recently updated Tobacco Control Act, which came into effect on July 15. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Health is also moving toward requiring tobacco-related businesses to obtain official licenses, in line with international health standards.
