WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products

Oct.17.2024
WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products
WHO praises Maldives for banning e-cigarettes to combat rising trend, citing harmful effects on youth. Global ban count now 37.

According to a report from Edition on October 17th, the World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the decision of the Maldives to ban e-cigarettes and related products.

WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia responds to Maldives' e-cigarette ban | Image source: X


The World Health Organization's Southeast Asia Regional Office announced on social media platform X that this decision is a significant step in combating the growing trend of e-cigarette use, especially among youth.


According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey data, 23.1% of boys aged 13 to 15 have used e-cigarettes, while 10.7% of girls have used e-cigarettes.


The organization emphasizes that all forms of tobacco consumption are harmful and are a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases.


On the 15th, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced that the import of all e-cigarette products and device components will be illegal starting from November 15th. Additionally, the use, possession, production, sale, advertising, and distribution of all e-cigarette products will be banned starting from December 15th.


According to WHO data, currently 37 countries worldwide have banned e-cigarettes. In the region, countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Timor have all implemented e-cigarette bans.


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

£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
Nearly £600,000 worth of illegal goods were seized in coordinated raids across West Yorkshire as part of Operation Machinize, a nationwide crackdown targeting cash-intensive businesses suspected of laundering money through mini-markets, vape shops, and barbershops.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EPO Invalidates Philip Morris Heated Tobacco Patent After Imperial Brands Challenge
EPO Invalidates Philip Morris Heated Tobacco Patent After Imperial Brands Challenge
The European Patent Office invalidated Philip Morris International’s heated tobacco patent, ruling it lacked inventiveness after a challenge by Imperial Brands’ subsidiary Fontem Ventures BV.
Oct.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Q3 2025 Earnings: Net Revenues Reach $10.85 Billion, Smoke-Free Products Account for 41% of Sales
PMI Q3 2025 Earnings: Net Revenues Reach $10.85 Billion, Smoke-Free Products Account for 41% of Sales
PMI reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, underscoring the continued success of its smoke-free transformation. Net revenues rose 9.4% year-over-year to $10.85 billion, driven by robust growth in the smoke-free segment, which now accounts for 41% of total net revenues and over 42% of gross profit.Despite a 3.2% decline in cigarette shipments, combustible revenues climbed 4.3% thanks to strong pricing.
Oct.21
FDA CTP Acting Director  Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
FDA CTP Acting Director Supports Expanding Authorized Flavored E-Cigs and Legal Marketplace
At the FDLI Tobacco and Nicotine Policy Conference, FDA CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow spoke in favor of promoting tobacco harm reduction to reduce smoking. He backed a legal marketplace for authorized reduced-risk products, potential expansion of flavored e-cigs, and faster FDA reviews to ensure a strong, regulated market.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Government Officially Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme, Effective October 2026
UK Government Officially Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme, Effective October 2026
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially confirmed that the UK will implement a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme from October 1, 2026. The duty will apply to all vaping liquids at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml. Businesses must register for approval starting April 1, 2026. The stamps scheme will take effect in October 2026 with a six-month grace period, after which, from April 2027, unstamped products will be prohibited from sale.
Oct.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus to Tighten Vape Regulations, Raise Excise Taxes in 2026
Belarus to Tighten Vape Regulations, Raise Excise Taxes in 2026
Belarusian lawmakers are drafting a new bill to regulate the vape market amid growing concern over youth nicotine use and the spread of illegal products. While a total ban is not planned, the focus will be on stricter licensing, advertising limits, and higher taxes.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai