Govt to hike duties on vapes before Nov 15 ban
The duty hike and upcoming import ban are expected to discourage the consumption and sale of e-cigarettes in the country.
Government has announced a hike in import duties on e-cigarettes and related items.
The new amendment to the Export Import Act, proposed by Mahchangoalhi North MP Ibrahim Mohamed, aims to raise taxes on various vaping products and enforce a ban on their import starting from the 15th of next month.
The proposed amendments will introduce the following changes:
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50% increase in duty on e-cigarettes, other smoking-related tobacco products, and chemical flavours used in these products.
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An additional MVR 8 per milliliter will be charged for liquid nicotine or vaping fluids.
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A 200% duty increase on vaping devices, tobacco heating products, and their components and parts.
These amendments will take effect from the 1st of next month, with import restrictions on vaping products to follow from the 15th of next month.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham addressed public concerns through a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He emphasised that the new measures reflect President Mohamed Muizzu's commitment to reducing tobacco usage and protecting public health. Usham stated that these regulatory actions demonstrate the government's serious approach toward addressing the health risks associated with vaping.
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