Maldives government proposes tax hike on e-cigarette imports

Oct.22.2024
Maldives government proposes tax hike on e-cigarette imports
The Maldives government is proposing to increase taxes on e-cigarettes from 1 November, with further increases from 15 November.

The Maldivian government has proposed an amendment to increase import duties on e-cigarettes, according to a report in The Edition on 21 October. The new tariffs will take effect between 1 November and 15 November, with an additional increase from 15 November.

 

Maldives government proposes tax hike on e-cigarette imports
The Attorney General announced an increase in import tariffs on e-cigarettes from November 1 to November 15.| Image source: X

 

The amendment was proposed by Ibrahim Mohamed, a member of the Maldivian Parliament, on behalf of the government, and aims to increase tariffs on imported products in line with the Tobacco Control Act before the ban on e-cigarettes and related devices is implemented. Specific measures include a 50% tax on e-cigarette products and an MVR 8 (USD 0.5) fee on packaging stickers and added flavours and chemicals.

 

According to the provisions of the bill, the new tariff policy will not result in any additional government spending, but it is expected that next year import tax revenue will increase by approximately MVR 1.5 million (USD 97,000).

 

The Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that the purpose of this amendment is to increase the tariffs on e-cigarette products starting from November 1st, and to prohibit their importation after November 15th.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

South Korean convenience store GS25 and KT&G jointly released a new heated tobacco product, which will be available starting in October
South Korean convenience store GS25 and KT&G jointly released a new heated tobacco product, which will be available starting in October
South Korean convenience store chain GS25 has partnered with KT&G to launch a limited-edition heated tobacco device, the "Lil Hybrid 3.0 X GS25." A total of 48,000 units of the new device, featuring the GS25's signature blue, are available, targeting customers in their 20s and 30s. Each device is priced at approximately US$63 and is scheduled to be released in early October.
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Finance Minister: No Tobacco Excise Hike in 2026; Focus Shifts to Combating Illicit Cigarettes
Indonesia’s Finance Minister: No Tobacco Excise Hike in 2026; Focus Shifts to Combating Illicit Cigarettes
Indonesia’s finance minister announced that tobacco excise rates will be kept unchanged in 2026 to avoid layoffs and protect industry employment. The government says it will pivot to cleaning up the illicit cigarette market, noting that while tax hikes can curb smoking, they have also pushed consumers toward cheaper brands or smuggled products, hurting compliant businesses and tax revenues.
Sep.28
London police crackdown on drug-laced e-cigarettes: Over 2,000 poisoning charges expected in 2024-2025
London police crackdown on drug-laced e-cigarettes: Over 2,000 poisoning charges expected in 2024-2025
London police announced a crackdown on drug-tainted e-cigarettes. The operation stemmed from an incident in the southeast of the capital where e-cigarettes were laced with "cannabis-like products," leading to the hospitalization of a 14-year-old. Data shows that between March 2024 and March 2025, London police received over 2,000 allegations of drug-tainted e-cigarettes. Of the victims in August 2025, 66% were women, a disproportionately high proportion.
Sep.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Texas e-cigarette shop owner arrested for allegedly hiding an unfinished tunnel inside his shop, possibly linked to international smuggling
Texas e-cigarette shop owner arrested for allegedly hiding an unfinished tunnel inside his shop, possibly linked to international smuggling
During a raid by federal and local law enforcement officers at an e-cigarette shop in Laredo, Texas, a 25-foot-deep tunnel, possibly linked to a transnational criminal organization, was discovered. The shop's owner, Gilberto Pena, was arrested for possession of controlled substances. Cocaine and marijuana were also seized during the raid. A total of 22 e-cigarette shops were inspected in Laredo, resulting in one arrest. The shop in question remains open, but the tunnel will be removed.
Sep.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Police Seize 48,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth About $630,000
Thai Police Seize 48,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth About $630,000
Acting on directives from senior government and police officials, Thai authorities seized 48,301 e-cigarettes and related products in central Thailand, valued at about 20 million baht (approximately US$630,000), as part of a crackdown on illegal vaping.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking and Vaping on Bar Terraces, Beaches, Stadiums, and Bus Stops
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking and Vaping on Bar Terraces, Beaches, Stadiums, and Bus Stops
Spain’s minority government has introduced a bill to prohibit smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in outdoor venues such as beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, and sports stadiums. The proposal—framed as a public-health measure—faces a fragmented parliament and hospitality-sector pushback. Unlike France’s July restrictions, Spain’s plan includes both terraces and e-cigarettes. The bill excludes plain packaging; Spain records over 50,000 smoking-related deaths annually.
Sep.10