Customs seizes 800 vape cartridges at Velana International Airport

Maldives Customs Service has seized 800 vape cartridges in an attempt to smuggle the banned products into the country by air.

According to Customs, the vape cartridges were intercepted at Velana International Airport on 3 August.

The import, sale and use of vaping products are prohibited in the Maldives. Despite the ban, authorities continue to intercept attempts to smuggle vaping devices and cartridges into the country.

Since the ban came into effect in late 2024, Customs and other enforcement agencies have seized vaping products in a number of cases. Individuals found to have imported or traded the products have also been fined.

Under amendments to the Tobacco Control Act introduced in 2024, importing vaping devices or products intended for their use carries a fine of MVR 50,000, in addition to MVR 10,000 for each electronic cigarette or vaping device imported.

The law also imposes a fine of MVR 20,000 for selling such products, plus MVR 10,000 for each item sold.

Distributing vaping products free of charge carries a fine of MVR 10,000, while supplying them to a minor attracts an additional fine of MVR 50,000.

The use of vaping products is punishable by a fine of MVR 5,000.