Cabinet approves tobacco ban for people born from 2007
The Cabinet also decided to bring the law into force on 1 November 2025, following a six-month period after the ratification of the amended legislation.
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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to ban the purchase, sale, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007, in accordance with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy to introduce a generational tobacco ban.
President Muizzu had earlier announced via social media that the Cabinet would consider the proposed generational ban during its meeting. The decision was made public following the meeting.
The approved measure includes the following actions:
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Enforcing a generational ban on tobacco for individuals born from 1 January 2007 onwards
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Requiring enforcement agencies to initiate the necessary legal and regulatory amendments to support the implementation of the ban
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Bringing the law into force on 1 November 2025, following a six-month period after the ratification of the amended legislation
In addition to the generational ban, the Cabinet also approved collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to enhance access to tobacco cessation services.
Public consultation on the proposed ban was conducted through social media. While the government settled on the 2007 birth year as the cut-off, some public comments had called for a ban beginning from the year 2000.
The government has recently taken several steps to reduce tobacco use, including the prohibition of vape imports and usage, along with increased taxation on tobacco and cigarettes.
