New Regulations in Maldives: Police Given Authority to Seize e-cigarettes

Feb.14

The Maldives grants police authority to seize and destroy e-cigarette devices under new tobacco control regulations, effective immediately.

According to The Edition on February 12th, the Maldives today (12th) issued the "General Regulations for Tobacco Control" which grants the police the power to seize and destroy e-cigarette devices prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act.

In December 2024, the Maldives has banned the import and use of e-cigarettes. However, current laws only impose fines on those who possess or sell e-cigarettes, and police have not been granted the authority to confiscate e-cigarette products.

According to the new regulations, the police are now authorized to confiscate e-cigarette devices and related items from individuals. Anyone found in possession of an e-cigarette device will be fined 2,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (approximately $130); those who refuse to surrender their e-cigarettes to the police will face an increased fine of 50,000 Rufiyaa (approximately $3,250).

In addition, distributing e-cigarettes for free will be fined 10,000 Lufia (approximately $650), while selling e-cigarettes will result in a fine of 20,000 Lufia (approximately $1,300). Selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21 will result in a fine of 50,000 Lufia (approximately $3,250).

References:

[1] Tobacco Regulations give police power to seize, destroy vapes

Also Read:

[1] Fines Imposed for Violating E-cigarette Ban in Maldives

[2] Maldives President Ratifies Bill to Ban the Use and Import of Vapes

[3] Maldives Bans E-Cigarette Imports and Sales, Imposes Heavy Fines

[4] Maldives president approves new tax law, raising e-cigarette import tax to 200%

[5] Maldives president to introduce new law raising tobacco purchase age to 21

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

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