4 fined MVR 20,000 after vape ban
The ban came into effect on Tuesday following amendments to the Tobacco Control Act.
Four individuals have been fined since the sale and use of vape products were prohibited in the Maldives.
The ban came into effect on Tuesday following amendments to the Tobacco Control Act.
According to the police, the fines for violating the amended law totalled MVR 20,000 in the three days since its enforcement.
Under the revised Tobacco Control Act, stringent penalties apply to the import, sale, use, or free distribution of vaping devices and related products. The penalties include:
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Importation of vaping devices and products: A fine of MVR 50,000 for importing, with an additional MVR 10,000 fine for each device or product.
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Sale of vaping devices and products: A fine of MVR 20,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 fine for each item sold.
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Free distribution of vaping devices and products: A fine of MVR 10,000.
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Sale or distribution to minors: An additional fine of MVR 50,000 for selling or distributing such products to children.
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Personal use of vape products: A fine of MVR 5,000.
The government has also increased duties on tobacco products significantly. With the new tax regime, the price of a pack of cigarettes has risen considerably from the previous cost of MVR 100.
