President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010) following its passage by the 20th Parliament on November 12, 2024. The amendment introduces comprehensive restrictions on tobacco use, particularly targeting electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices in the Maldives.
The new legislation prohibits importing, selling, distributing, and using e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products. Additionally, it enforces a range of tobacco regulations, including:
- Prohibiting tobacco use within all government institution buildings and premises.
- Fines may be imposed on individuals and businesses violating tobacco use restrictions in public establishments, possibly suspending smoking permits and business licenses.
- Banning the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 21 and prohibiting those under 21 from involvement in tobacco sales transactions.
- Requiring sellers to verify buyers' ages through ID to confirm they are over 21.
- Prohibiting all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotions.
- Banning the display of tobacco products in retail areas that are visible to the public.
- Prohibiting the cultivation and production of tobacco in the Maldives, along with the import of tobacco seeds or plants.
Violations of these regulations will incur penalties, and provisions for e-cigarette and vaping restrictions (Section 10-2) will take effect on December 15, 2024. All other provisions are effective as of November 15, 2024. The amendment has been officially published in the Government Gazette.
The new legislation prohibits importing, selling, distributing, and using e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products. Additionally, it enforces a range of tobacco regulations, including:
- Prohibiting tobacco use within all government institution buildings and premises.
- Fines may be imposed on individuals and businesses violating tobacco use restrictions in public establishments, possibly suspending smoking permits and business licenses.
- Banning the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 21 and prohibiting those under 21 from involvement in tobacco sales transactions.
- Requiring sellers to verify buyers' ages through ID to confirm they are over 21.
- Prohibiting all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotions.
- Banning the display of tobacco products in retail areas that are visible to the public.
- Prohibiting the cultivation and production of tobacco in the Maldives, along with the import of tobacco seeds or plants.
Violations of these regulations will incur penalties, and provisions for e-cigarette and vaping restrictions (Section 10-2) will take effect on December 15, 2024. All other provisions are effective as of November 15, 2024. The amendment has been officially published in the Government Gazette.
