Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ The Maldives has officially implemented a comprehensive ban on vaping devices and products, marking a significant step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat rising vaping trends. Following a ratified amendment to the Tobacco Control Act on November 15, 2023, the new legislation prohibits the import, sale, and use of vaping products as of midnight on December 15. This decision comes after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the government’s commitment to tackling the widespread use of vaping on October 14. The swiftly passed amendment to the Tobacco Control Act aligns with the government’s goal of reducing tobacco-related health risks and curbing the increasing popularity of vaping, particularly among young people.
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The new law carries strict penalties for those who violate its provisions. On November 15, the law banned the importation of vaping devices and products, and on December 15, it fully banned their sale and use. The government also prohibits the free distribution of vaping devices. Individuals found violating these regulations will face substantial fines, reflecting the government’s serious approach to curbing the trend. Under the updated legislation, individuals caught importing vaping products will incur a fine of approximately USD 3,240, with a fine of USD 648 for each device imported. Similarly, retailers selling vaping products will face a fine of USD 1,290, with a penalty of USD 649 for each item sold. Distributing vaping products for free will result in a fine of USD 649. Selling or giving vaping products to minors carries one of the harshest penalties, with fines up to USD 3,240.
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The amended law also raises the legal age for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 in a bid to reduce tobacco use among youth. The law will prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 21 from December 17. In addition, the law bans the advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of tobacco products, signaling a broader move to control tobacco consumption and protect public health. Furthermore, to ensure that the new regulations are effectively implemented, government agencies have been given 60 days to revise existing rules and guidelines in alignment with the updated Tobacco Control Act. The penalties for violations are also substantial in the local currency. Importers face fines of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 fine per item imported. Retailers selling banned products will face an MVR 20,000 fine, plus MVR 10,000 for each item sold. Distributing vaping products for free will attract an MVR 10,000 fine, while those selling or distributing such products to minors will be penalized with a fine of MVR 50,000. Individual users found violating the ban will also face fines of MVR5,000 per offense.
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The new regulations come at a time when the government has also increased duties on tobacco products, leading to a significant rise in prices. For instance, the government has increased the cost of a pack of cigarettes to more than MVR 100, aiming to further discourage smoking and vaping. This price hike, along with stricter penalties for smoking in prohibited areas, reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting public health. Additionally, the revisions to the Tobacco Control Act reflect a broader strategy to regulate tobacco and vaping products more effectively. Originally passed in 2010, the act has now been updated to meet the growing public health challenges posed by these products. President Dr. Muizzu has described the ban as a crucial step toward promoting healthier lifestyles, improving mental and physical health, and fostering responsibility among the Maldivian population. He emphasized that this initiative aims to counter the negative effects of vaping and smoking on both individual health and national productivity.
The government’s actions have garnered support from various quarters, with many social media commentators praising the move as a positive step toward nation-building. In addition to the ban, President Dr. Muizzu has introduced a series of initiatives to help people quit smoking, including the provision of smoking cessation services at healthcare facilities and an award program for islands that achieve significant reductions in smoking. This initiative includes financial assistance for community development projects aimed at promoting healthier living. Furthermore, the State Trading Organization (STO) will make smoking cessation products available in all islands and cities with healthcare facilities, helping individuals transition away from smoking and vaping. With these comprehensive measures, the Maldives is taking a bold stance in the global fight against tobacco-related diseases, setting a strong example for other nations to follow.
