Maldives government proposes tax hike on e-cigarette imports

Oct.22.2024

The Maldives government is proposing to increase taxes on e-cigarettes from 1 November, with further increases from 15 November.

The Maldivian government has proposed an amendment to increase import duties on e-cigarettes, according to a report in The Edition on 21 October. The new tariffs will take effect between 1 November and 15 November, with an additional increase from 15 November.

The amendment was proposed by Ibrahim Mohamed, a member of the Maldivian Parliament, on behalf of the government, and aims to increase tariffs on imported products in line with the Tobacco Control Act before the ban on e-cigarettes and related devices is implemented. Specific measures include a 50% tax on e-cigarette products and an MVR 8 (USD 0.5) fee on packaging stickers and added flavours and chemicals.

According to the provisions of the bill, the new tariff policy will not result in any additional government spending, but it is expected that next year import tax revenue will increase by approximately MVR 1.5 million (USD 97,000).

The Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that the purpose of this amendment is to increase the tariffs on e-cigarette products starting from November 1st, and to prohibit their importation after November 15th.

References:

[1] Amendment proposed to increase tax on vape imported from Nov 1-15

Also Read:

[1] WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products

[2] Major Marijuana Smuggling Operation Disguised as E-Cigarette Liquid Busted

[3] Maldives President Announces Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Products

[4] NCD Alliance Urges President to Ban E-cigarette Imports in Maldives

[5] Maldives Customs to Cancel Tax-Free Import of E-Cigarettes and Energy Drinks

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #The Maldives

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