Maldives parliament passes bill to ban vaping from Nov 15
Parliament on Tuesday passed an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act that will ban vaping in the country effective November 15.
The bill was passed with 54 votes in favour, while eight members, including seven from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and independent member Abdul Rahman, voted against.
The social committee initially reviewed the bill in late October and agreed to ban vaping within the proposed timeline. However, the committee sought additional time to study the amendment further, initially extending the review period until November 21. This extension would have postponed any restrictions on vape imports until November 15.
However, in an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, the committee ultimately decided to approve the bill along with key government-proposed amendments.
Once ratified by the president, the bill will ban the import of vaping products from next Friday, with the use, sale, and distribution of vape products prohibited starting November 15. Violators will face substantial fines under the amended Act.
The social committee introduced two additional amendments to the bill:
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Regulation on smoking in public buildings and grounds: The amendment allows smoking in public office buildings and grounds only if regulated under an Act-approved policy.
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Exemptions for cessation products: Among banned tobacco imports, products approved for nicotine replacement therapy or used in tobacco cessation treatments will be exempted if approved by professional authorities.
The amendment specifies significant fines for those found in violation of the vape import and usage ban:
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Import violations: A fine of MVR 50,000 will be imposed on anyone found importing vaping devices and products. Each imported device could incur an additional fine of up to MVR 10,000.
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Sale violations: Those selling vape products will face fines of MVR 20,000, with an added fine of up to MVR 10,000 per item sold.
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Distribution violations: Individuals or businesses distributing vape products free of charge will be fined MVR 10,000.
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Sale or distribution to minors: An additional fine of MVR 50,000 will be imposed if vape products are sold or distributed to children.
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Usage violations: Individuals found using vape products after the ban will be subject to a fine of MVR 5,000.
The amendment also raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, effective immediately upon the bill's enactment. Further, the law will impose stringent penalties for smoking in restricted areas.
The government’s goal with these amendments is to curb the use of vaping and tobacco products in the Maldives and to support public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking-related health issues.
