Maldives bans import of pre-rolled cigarette tubes

The Maldives has banned the import of pre-rolled cigarette tubes under a new regulation formulated by the government.

The general regulation on tobacco control was published on the Government Gazette on Wednesday afternoon.

The new regulation prohibits the import of pre-rolled cigarette and bidi tubes, whether it comes with filters or not, as well as empty packs and other products that serve the purpose.

However, it allows the import of cigarette and bidi rolling paper in packets that do not exceed 50 papers.

Meanwhile, the import of rolling tobacco is limited to packets of 30 grams to 100 grams.

Quantity limitations for other tobacco products:

• Cigarettes must be in packs of minimum 20 sticks.
• Bidi must be in packs of minimum 50 sticks.
• Cigars must be in packs of minimum five sticks.
• Rolling tobacco or pipe tobacco must be in packs of minimum 30 grams to 100 grams.
• Dried tobacco leaves must be in packs of 30 grams to 1,000 grams.
• Nicotine pouches and other such products must be in packs of 15 grams to 100 grams.

All tobacco and nicotine products must also be labelled with Health Ministry-issued health warnings.