President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to ban the import, use and trade of vaping devices and their components from December.
In a post on X, President Muizzu said the relevant authorities have been ordered to take all necessary steps to ban vaping in the Maldives.
"I have directed the relevant authorities to prohibit the import of vaping products and their components into the country from 15 November 2024 and to take all necessary steps to prohibit the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising and free distribution of vaping products in the country from 15 December 2024," he stated.
The decision comes after some organizations called for a ban on vaping in the Maldives. They also called for a ban on e-cigarettes.
However, the President's post did not mention the decision to ban anything other than vapes.
Vaping is banned in 34 countries while 73 countries impose strict rules for the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes.
Meanwhile, duty on cigarettes imported into the country will be increased by MVR 2 from December 1.
The import duty on cigarettes is now MVR 3, but the amount will increase to MVR 5 starting in December.
Customs statistics show that the import of cigarettes has declined in recent months while the import of vapes has significantly increased.
Amendments to the law to ban vaping
On Monday, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said that the necessary amendments to the law to ban the import, use and trade of vaping devices and their components will be sent to the Parliament this week.
In a post on X, Usham said that amendments will be made to the Tobacco Control Act and the Export-Import Act of Maldives.
"The amendments to the laws to implement the President's decision are being sent to Parliament within this week. The Tobacco Control Act and the Export-Import Act will be amended," he said.
Cannabis vape oil seized at VIA.
Just hours after the vaping ban was announced, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said a shipment of cannabis vape oil was seized at Velana International Airport (VIA).
In a post on X, he shared images of the seized items and said they were being smuggled into the country as vape oil.
When Adhadhu contacted him for details, Ihusan said no arrests had been made in connection to the case, but an investigation was underway.
He added that the decision to ban vapes was connected to such cases.
