Maldives bans smoking for post-2007 generation starting Nov

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified amendments to the Tobacco Control Act on Wednesday, the chief of which is a smoking ban for the post-2007 generation set to kick-in in November.

Maldives implemented a blanket ban on the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in mid-December last year as part of a campaign against smoking launched by President Muizzu’s administration. In April, the administration announced plans to impose a generational smoking ban in the Maldives.

The bill drafted by the administration to enforce the ban was passed by the Parliament with a majority vote of 63-1 on May 13.

The legislature was signed by President Muizzu at the President’s Office on Wednesday morning, in a ceremony attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials from relevant sectors, as well as some school students.

The new legislature prohibits both the consumption by and sale of tobacco products to Maldivian citizens born on or after January 1, 2007.

This ban is set to take effect on November 1.

The ban also extends to sale of tobacco products through methods where the age of the purchaser cannot be verified, such as through vending machines, online, or via courier.

The bill is also designed to empower the police to confiscate e-cigarettes and vaping devices found in possession of individuals, regardless of whether they are caught using it or not.

President Muizzu launched a campaign against smoking last year, introducing a ban vapes and e-cigarettes, and doubling import duty and taxes on cigarettes.

The move doubled the price of the most common cigarette brands from MVR 110 to MVR 240 per pack.

Tobacco importers and distributors raised the prices of cigarettes following this change, with the price of common cigarette brands rising between MVR 240 to MVR 290 per pack, and MVR 2,240 per carton.

While businesses initially reported a drop in the sale of cigarettes, there has been an increase in the sale of rolling tobacco and cheaper lower quality cigarette brands, as well as a surge in the smuggling of cigarettes.

On May 19, President Muizzu received the WHO Director-General Special Award, in recognition of his efforts to control tobacco, save lives and create a healthier future.