The amendment bill of the Tobacco Control Act has been drafted with fines of MVR 5000 for vapers and MVR 20,000 for selling or free distribution of vape sticks or similar items.

Adhadhu has obtained a copy of the bill which includes strict measures against vapers and those who sell vapes and related devices. However, the draft is still subject to change.

Two laws are to be amended to ban vaping. They are the Tobacco Control Act and the Export-Import Act. The proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act are drafted as follows:

• MVR 5000 fines for using electronic cigarettes, vapes and related devices
• MVR 20,000 fine for each stick of vape or electronic cigarette sold or freely distributed
• Prohibit the sale or distribution of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and parts to minors
• MVR 50,000 fine for selling or distributing vapes and electronic cigarettes to minors

On Monday, the government announced a ban on the import, use and trade of vaping devices and their components from December.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham said that the necessary amendments to the law will be sent to the Parliament this week.

Vaping is banned in 34 countries while 73 countries impose strict rules for the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes.