Maldives Enforces Stricter Tobacco Import Rules

The Maldivian government has introduced a new regulation mandating that importers bear the costs of destroying any tobacco products that fail to meet established import standards. The change, introduced through the third amendment to the Health Ministry’s Regulation on Tobacco Packaging and Labelling, aims to strengthen control over tobacco imports and ensure sustainable disposal practices for non-compliant products.

According to the amendment, the Maldives Customs Service will be responsible for destroying any tobacco products that do not meet the permitted requirements for import. Additionally, importers will now be required to cover the expenses involved in disposing of these items in an environmentally sustainable manner, along with any related costs incurred while the goods remain in Customs’ custody.

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The amendment further clarifies that Customs will handle the enforcement of fines related to violations of import procedures for tobacco products. Customs will also be responsible for recovering any unpaid fines tied to these import-related infractions. However, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) will assume responsibility for enforcing fines on violations occurring outside of the import process and for the destruction of such items.

Certain exceptions apply to this regulation. Tobacco products imported via post or courier for personal use, as well as excess products brought by inbound travellers, will not be subject to these destruction procedures. Customs will handle these cases separately, providing specific guidelines for personal imports.

This regulatory change aligns with recent increases in import duties on tobacco products. The government recently hiked the duty on cigarettes and bidi (a traditional form of cigarette) by 50 percent, adding an additional MVR 8 charge per unit. This price adjustment and stricter import regulations reflect ongoing efforts by the Maldivian government to regulate tobacco use and enforce standards for imported tobacco products. 

These amendments signal a strengthened regulatory framework around tobacco imports in the Maldives, ensuring that non-compliant products are appropriately managed and disposed of, with importers held financially accountable for any lapses.