Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports

Dec.23

Maldives Customs data shows that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659 million (about US$42.8 million) since the country banned the import and use of electronic cigarettes. Authorities said most seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. The largest single case involved 10,800 vapes, resulting in a fine of MVR 108 million (about US$7.02 million).

Key Points

Vape-related fines in Maldives have reached MVR 659,010,000 (about US$42.8 million);
169 individuals were fined for vape-related offences up to October 31, 2025;
The largest seizure involved 10,800 vapes with a fine of MVR 108,000,000;
Most seized vapes originated from travellers arriving from Malaysia;
The import and use of vapes were banned on December 15, 2024.

2Firsts, December,23 2025 – According to Mihaaru News, Maldives Customs statistics show that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659,010,000 (approximately US$42,835,650) since the ban on the import and use of electronic cigarettes came into force.

Information released under the Right to Information Act shows that 169 individuals were fined for vape-related offences up to October 31, 2025, with penalties totalling MVR 551,010,000 (about US$35,815,650). Following the seizure of an additional illegal shipment, fines increased by around MVR 100,000,000 (about US$6,500,000).

Customs said the largest number of seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. One shipment imported on December 10 contained 10,800 vapes, valued at MVR 2,700,000 (about US$175,500), and resulted in a fine of MVR 108,000,000 (about US$7,020,000).

The second-largest case involved 7,210 vapes, carrying a fine of MVR 72,100,000 (about US$4,686,500).

Customs data shows that vape-related fines stood at MVR 400,460,000 (about US$26,029,900) up to August, increasing by MVR 258,550,000 (about US$16,805,750) over the following four months.

Image source: Mihaaru News

References:

[1] Vape import fines over MVR 600 million, most from Malaysia

Also Read:

[1] 10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives

[2] Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007

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

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