Parliament Passes Stringent Amendments to Tobacco Act, Imposing Heavy Fines on Vape Products

The Maldives parliament today approved amendments to the Tobacco Act, introducing substantial fines for the import, sale, and use of vape products. These amendments aim to curtail vaping in the country, with phased enforcement dates set in the coming months.

The amendment, introduced by Henveiru North MP Ahmed Aifaan, received parliamentary approval and is set to come into effect in two stages. The first phase, effective from 15 November, prohibits the import of all vape products. This will be followed by a ban on the sale and usage of these products from 15 December.

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Under the new regulations, anyone found importing vape products after 15 November will face a fine of MVR 50,000, along with an additional MVR 10,000 for each individual product. Sales violations after the specified date will incur fines of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each vape product sold. Even giving vape products away without charge will carry a fine of MVR 10,000.

Further reinforcing these restrictions, the amendments impose an MVR 50,000 fine on those caught selling vape products to minors. Additionally, the legal age to purchase any tobacco products has been raised to 21.