Maldives bans use, sale of vapes from Sunday
In addition to the vaping ban, the government has also increased duties on tobacco products
The use, sale, and distribution of vaping products will be prohibited in the Maldives starting 12am on Sunday, following amendments to the Tobacco Control Act.
The amendments include a complete ban on the import, use, and sale of vape devices and related products.
The government introduced the bill with stricter tobacco control measures in October. The bill was passed by parliament and ratified last month. The import of vaping devices and products was banned on November 15, and the full ban on their use, sale, and distribution takes effect from December 15.
Violations of the ban will result in penalties, including:
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Import violations: A fine of MVR 50,000 and up to MVR 10,000 for each imported device or product.
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Sale violations: A fine of MVR 20,000 and up to MVR 10,000 for each item sold.
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Distribution violations: A fine of MVR 10,000 for free distribution of such devices or products.
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Child-related violations: An additional fine of MVR 50,000 for selling or distributing vaping products to minors.
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Personal use violations: A fine of MVR 5,000 for individuals using vaping products.
The amendments also raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. From Sunday, selling tobacco to individuals under 21 will be prohibited.
Further changes in the legislation include stricter penalties for smoking in prohibited areas.
The Tobacco Control Act, originally passed in 2010, has been amended for the first time in 14 years. In addition to the vaping ban, the government has also increased duties on tobacco products, causing the price of cigarettes to rise significantly. A pack of cigarettes that previously cost MVR 100 now exceeds this amount.
