Seized rolling tobacco released as not prohibited, Customs says
This directive led Customs to seize shipments of wrapped tobacco and paper earlier in January.
Maldives Customs Service has released shipments of rolling tobacco that were previously detained for two weeks, after it was determined that these products are not prohibited under current law.
The release followed confusion stemming from a recent amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which prompted concerns regarding the importation of wrapped tobacco, paper, and filters.
The issue began after a letter from the health ministry, dated December 24, was circulated on social media. The letter, addressed to the commissioner general of customs, outlined new instructions on the importation of tobacco products following an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act.
The amendment, which prohibits the manufacture of tobacco and tobacco products within the Maldives, led to questions about whether imported wrapped tobacco and accessories could also be seized.
A ministry official confirmed that the letter was authentic, and it was sent by Customs seeking clarification on how to proceed with the enforcement of the new regulation. The letter stated that the manufacture of tobacco products within the Maldives is prohibited, and any importation of tobacco products or related equipment should be seized and destroyed.
This directive led Customs to seize shipments of wrapped tobacco and paper earlier in January. However, after further review, the shipments were released, as it was determined that these products do not fall under the prohibited categories outlined by the law.
Customs issued a statement on Wednesday explaining that, as an enforcement agency, they are tasked with seizing goods that are legally prohibited from entering the country. The statement said that goods are released after undergoing necessary checks, unless there is a legal prohibition in place.
"The goods will be released after considering various checks required by Customs during the clearance process unless they are legally prohibited from being imported into the Maldives," the statement read.
It remains unclear whether the confusion arose from an over-interpretation of the health ministry’s letter or a misinterpretation of the law itself. Nonetheless, Customs confirmed that there was no legal impediment to the importation of wrapped tobacco and related products.
Wrapped tobacco and associated accessories are not new imports into the Maldives. However, the government has increasingly focused on regulating tobacco products, including implementing a ban on the sale and use of vaping devices. In addition, a significant price increase in cigarettes has led to a rise in the use of wrapped tobacco by local consumers, as it is often considered a more affordable alternative.
