Customs Introduces New Tobacco and Import Regulation Amendments

The Maldives Customs Service has implemented new regulations requiring the complete settlement of import duty on all tobacco products upon clearance.

Under the amended regulation, each product authorised for import or export will be recorded in a bonded warehouse for monitoring, with exceptions for certain tobacco items. Products such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape products, and tobacco sticks emitting nicotine-containing aerosols are exempt from this registration requirement.

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The updated rules include several other significant changes:

• Establishment of bonded warehouses in areas under Customs control to securely store specific items.
• A fine of MVR 200,000 per instance of smuggling goods or participating in undeclared inward or outward cargo activities.
• A penalty of MVR 100,000 for each violation involving vessels travelling or docking at locations not declared to Customs, including routes and harbours specified in submitted documents.
• An MVR 200,000 fine for switching off the automatic identification system installed on vessels within Maldivian waters.

The amendment also prohibits the import of alcohol, pork, pork products, and tobacco products as ship stores. However, Customs may permit limited releases of such items to bonded warehouses as ship stores, exempt from import duty.

These amendments aim to strengthen oversight, ensure accurate reporting, and enhance control over the import and handling of specific goods in the Maldives.