President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act to ban vapes in the Maldives.

The amendment was passed in the 48th sitting of the 20th Parliament on November 12.

The bill prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and products designed for use with such devices in the Maldives.

Additionally, upon ratification and implementation of this bill, the following will also be prohibited:

• Tobacco use in all government institution buildings and their premises
• Fines for both users and property owners or operators if tobacco is used illegally in business or service establishments, with potential suspension of smoking permits and temporary suspension of business licences
• Sale of any tobacco products to persons under 21 years or involving persons under 21 in tobacco sales transactions
• Selling tobacco products without verifying the buyer's age through ID or official documentation proving they are over 21
• Advertisement of any tobacco products
• Display of tobacco products or their packaging in retail locations visible to the public, with such displays being considered advertising
• Growing any tobacco plants or producing tobacco products in the Maldives
• Importing tobacco plants, seeds, or any parts that could be used for growing tobacco, and manufacturing any tobacco products in the Maldives
• Illegal advertising, sponsorship, or promotion of tobacco products
• Illegal import, export, distribution, or sale of tobacco or tobacco products

Some penalties

• MVR 50,000 fine for importing vapes and related devices
• MVR 10,000 fine for each imported e-cigarette or vape stick
• MVR 20,000 fine for selling vapes and MVR 10,000 fine for each vape stick sold
• MVR 10,000 fine for giving a free vape
• MVR 5,000 fine for vaping

The import and sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices are prohibited and fines have been established for violations of the law.

Following ratification, the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act has been published in the Government Gazette today. The provisions related to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices will take effect on December 15 while other provisions will be effective from November 15.