According to PSM News on November 14th, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has approved the first amendment to the Tobacco Control Act. The amendment was passed in parliament on November 12th.
The bill prohibits the importation, sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes in the Maldives, as well as products designed for these devices.
Once the bill is approved and implemented, all government buildings and their premises will be prohibited from using tobacco. Users who illegally smoke in commercial or service establishments and property owners or operators will face fines. Smoking permits may be suspended and business licenses may be temporarily revoked.
The bill also prohibits the sale of any tobacco or related products to individuals under the age of 21, as well as prohibiting individuals under 21 from participating in tobacco sales transactions or selling such products without verifying the buyer's age through identification or official documents. Anyone caught selling or distributing e-cigarette products to minors will face a fine of $3242, as well as other penalties for selling and distributing such devices. Public displays or advertisements of these products will also be prohibited.
The amendment also prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of products such as e-cigarettes. If such items are imported into the Maldives, a fine of $3242 will be imposed, as well as a fine of $648 per item. The law stipulates that selling any type of e-cigarette product will result in a fine of $1297, plus $648 per item.
Furthermore, the implementation of this bill also prohibits the cultivation of any tobacco plants or production of tobacco products in the Maldives, as well as the import of tobacco plants, seeds, or any parts used for planting tobacco, and manufacturing any tobacco products in the Maldives. Additionally, the illegal import, export, distribution, or sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and products designed for these devices is also prohibited.
The amendments to the Tobacco Control Act have been approved and published in the government gazette. The provisions related to e-cigarette products will take effect on December 15, while the other provisions will come into effect on November 15.
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