Maldives Bans E-Cigarette Imports and Sales, Imposes Heavy Fines

Nov.08.2024

Maldives Parliament passed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, banning e-cigarettes and raising minimum age for tobacco products to 21.

According to The Edition on November 7th, the Maldives Parliament's Social Affairs Committee has approved amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which includes a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years old.

According to Member of Parliament Ahmed Aifan, who submitted the draft to the Parliament, starting November 15, the import of e-cigarettes will be banned, followed by a complete ban on the use, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes starting December 15.

According to the amendment, violations of the law will face harsh penalties. Importing e-cigarettes or related products after the ban comes into effect will result in a fine of 50,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa ($3,200), with an additional fine of 10,000 Rufiyaa ($650) for each e-cigarette or vaporizer imported.

Illegal sales of these products will result in a fine of 20,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (1300 USD), with an additional fine of 10,000 Rufiyaa (650 USD) for each item sold. Distributing these products for free will also incur a fine of 10,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (650 USD).

If these products are sold to minors, the fine will increase to 50,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (3,200 US dollars).

References:

[1] Committee passes bill on vape ban, minimum age to buy tobacco products

Also Read:

[1] Maldives president approves new tax law, raising e-cigarette import tax to 200%

[2] Maldives president to introduce new law raising tobacco purchase age to 21

[3] Maldives government proposes tax hike on e-cigarette imports

[4] Major Marijuana Smuggling Operation Disguised as E-Cigarette Liquid Busted

[5] Maldives President Announces Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Products

#Legislation #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Maldives

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