Maldives Customs Calls for Cap on E-Cigarette Fines, Citing Enforcement Difficulties

Key points:

The current regulations in the Maldives stipulate a fine of 10,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) per e-cigarette, which is approximately 650 US dollars. In practice, fines for individuals often add up to tens of millions of Rufiyaa, raising questions about the practicality of enforcement.

The proposed revision of the law sets a base fine of 50,000 lus forint (3250 US dollars) and maintains the billing mechanism based on devices.

In 2024, there have been over 20 recorded cases of smuggling, indicating a rising trend in the issue.

Officials suggest setting a cap on fines to balance the deterrent effect with enforcement feasibility.

Cigarettes and e-cigarettes have both been confirmed to be smuggled through yachts, prompting lawmakers to call for increased scrutiny of maritime routes.

According to the May 7th edition, the Maldives Customs recently expressed concern at a parliamentary committee meeting about the actual enforcement effects of the current e-cigarette smuggling fine system under consideration for amendment in the "Tobacco Control Act.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Simah pointed out that the current regulations impose a fine of 10,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) (650 US dollars) for each smuggled e-cigarette device, resulting in individuals facing fines ranging from 40 million (2.6 million US dollars) to 48 million Rufiyaa (3.1 million US dollars). He stated, "Although enforceable, it is not realistic for the country to expect to recover such a large amount of funds from individuals.

In addition, according to the proposed legal amendment draft, a fixed initial fine of 50,000 Lufia (3250 US dollars) will be added in addition to charging per device. However, actual cases show that ordinary individuals have been fined up to 48 million Lufia (3.1 million US dollars) for carrying flavored e-cigarette products.

The balance lies between fairness and feasibility.

Senior Police Inspector Ibrahim Fayaz further pointed out that the products involved in certain cases can amount to a total value of 120 million Lufia (7.8 million US dollars), which under current regulations would correspond to fines of up to 1 million Lufia (65,000 US dollars). He suggested setting a limit on fines based on the quantity of equipment in such situations to prevent excessive punishment.

Since the beginning of this year, the number of cases involving the smuggling of e-cigarettes and cigarettes has increased. More than 20 cases have entered the stages of punishment and criminal investigation. Some lawmakers have indicated that certain cigarettes are being smuggled to island regions through inbound yachts, and have called for increased inspections of incoming vessels.

Customs responded by saying that they are working to strengthen vessel inspection procedures.