Committee Approves Tobacco Bill Targeting Post-2007 Generation
The select committee appointed to review amendments to the Tobacco Control Act has passed the government’s proposed bill, which includes a generational smoking ban targeting Maldivians born on or after 1 January 2007.
The committee approved the bill without any changes during a meeting held yesterday.
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The amendments are part of a broader anti-smoking campaign launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. In December 2024, the government introduced a blanket ban on the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes. The proposed generational smoking ban, announced in April, builds on these efforts.
The bill, sponsored by Ali Ashraq, a parliamentarian from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), was reviewed by a seven-member select committee comprising MPs Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim (West Maafannu), Mohamed Munthazim (Kaashidhoo), Ibrahim Hussain (South Fuvahmulah), Mohamed Mamdhooh (Funadhoo), Hussain Hameed (Kudahuvadhoo), Mohamed Abbas (Velidhoo), and Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) (North Galolhu).
Under the proposed law, the sale and consumption of tobacco products will be prohibited for Maldivian citizens born on or after 1 January 2007. The ban is scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2025.
The legislation also restricts the sale of tobacco products through channels where age verification is not possible, including vending machines, online platforms, and courier services. In addition, the bill grants the police the authority to confiscate vaping devices and e-cigarettes, regardless of whether the individual is caught using the item.
President Muizzu’s administration has also introduced measures aimed at reducing cigarette consumption, including a doubling of import duties and taxes on cigarettes. This resulted in the price of commonly available cigarette brands rising from MVR 110 to MVR 240 per pack. Tobacco importers subsequently raised prices further, with some brands reaching MVR 290 per pack and MVR 2,240 per carton.
