President ratifies law to ban tobacco for those born after 2007
The amendment, aligned with Cabinet policy, is set to come into effect in November.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday approved a legal amendment that will enforce a ban on the sale and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007. The amendment, aligned with Cabinet policy, is set to come into effect in November.
The Tobacco Control Bill was submitted to Parliament by People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Ahmed Ashraf on behalf of the government. Parliament passed the bill on last Tuesday.
The President signed the amendment into law at a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, attended by ministers, government officials, and school students.
Under the amendment:
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The sale, use, and trade of tobacco products will be prohibited for all persons born on or after 1 January 2007
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Individuals under the age of 21 will not be permitted to sell tobacco products
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No person born on or after 1 January 2007 may be engaged in the tobacco trade
The amendment builds on a previous legal provision enacted last year that prohibits the sale of tobacco to individuals under 21.
Additional measures under the new law include:
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Tobacco products must be sold only with a valid licence and registration under the law
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Online sales of tobacco products without clear identification of the seller will be prohibited
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Importation of machinery and equipment for the manufacture of tobacco products will be banned
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Police will have the authority to confiscate electronic cigarettes or vaping devices used in public spaces
