According to The Edition on February 12th, the Maldives today (12th) issued the "General Regulations for Tobacco Control" which grants the police the power to seize and destroy e-cigarette devices prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act.
In December 2024, the Maldives has banned the import and use of e-cigarettes. However, current laws only impose fines on those who possess or sell e-cigarettes, and police have not been granted the authority to confiscate e-cigarette products.
According to the new regulations, the police are now authorized to confiscate e-cigarette devices and related items from individuals. Anyone found in possession of an e-cigarette device will be fined 2,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (approximately $130); those who refuse to surrender their e-cigarettes to the police will face an increased fine of 50,000 Rufiyaa (approximately $3,250).
In addition, distributing e-cigarettes for free will be fined 10,000 Lufia (approximately $650), while selling e-cigarettes will result in a fine of 20,000 Lufia (approximately $1,300). Selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21 will result in a fine of 50,000 Lufia (approximately $3,250).
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