Enforcement agencies have been given the power to confiscate vapes, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices and impose a fine of MVR 2000 under a new tobacco control regulation.
According to the rules gazetted by the Health Ministry today, carrying vapes, electric cigarettes or vaping devices is prohibited in Maldivian territory and a person in possession of such an item can be fined MVR 2000. The rules also give enforcement agencies the power to seize the item.
The rules also stipulate that a person can be fined MVR 50,000 and businesses can be fined MVR 100,000 for refusing to turn over the item to police.
Under the new rules, the penalty must be paid to Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) within 14 working days. Businesses that do not pay the fine during that period will have their tobacco sales permits withheld.
With this change, a vape can be confiscated from a person found during a search or from a person coming from abroad.
Every confiscated item must be destroyed by the enforcement agency and a destruction report must be submitted to the Health Ministry every six months.
The rules give the right to appeal, in writing, to the Health Ministry within seven days of the fine. The ministry is required to respond to such complaints within 15 working days.
