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

Oct.17.2024

WHO praises Maldives for banning e-cigarettes to combat rising trend, citing harmful effects on youth. Global ban count now 37.

According to a report from Edition on October 17th, the World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the decision of the Maldives to ban e-cigarettes and related products.

The World Health Organization's Southeast Asia Regional Office announced on social media platform X that this decision is a significant step in combating the growing trend of e-cigarette use, especially among youth.

According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey data, 23.1% of boys aged 13 to 15 have used e-cigarettes, while 10.7% of girls have used e-cigarettes.

The organization emphasizes that all forms of tobacco consumption are harmful and are a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases.

On the 15th, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced that the import of all e-cigarette products and device components will be illegal starting from November 15th. Additionally, the use, possession, production, sale, advertising, and distribution of all e-cigarette products will be banned starting from December 15th.

According to WHO data, currently 37 countries worldwide have banned e-cigarettes. In the region, countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Timor have all implemented e-cigarette bans.

References:

[1] WHO welcomes Maldives' decision to ban vapes

Also Read:

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

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

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

[4] Maldives Health Agency Advocates for Additional Tobacco Taxation

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

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #Maldives

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

ZYN Nicotine Pouches Seek MRTP Authorization; FDA Sets January Meeting

The U.S. FDA has scheduled a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting for January 22, 2026, to review Swedish Match USA’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Although the products gained PMTA authorization in early 2025, MRTP approval is required for marketing them with reduced-risk claims.

Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philip Morris International to Boost Investment in the Philippines, Aiming to Make It a Smoke-Free Products Export Hub

PMI to make the Philippines a smoke-free export hub, citing strong regulation; upgrading local plants, expanding affordable supply; $14bn invested globally.

Oct.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

BAT Malaysia Reports Q3 Results: Net Profit Plummets 89.5%, Stock Price Drops 15%

BAT Malaysia's Q3 results show a sharp 89.5% drop in net profit to RM7 million (approximately $150,000 USD), with revenue also falling to RM300 million (approximately $6.4 million USD). The company attributed the decline to new regulatory requirements, including pictorial health warnings and the retail display ban. Its stock dropped 15.25% to RM4.78 (approximately $1.02 USD).

Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.