MFDA Issues Stricter Packaging and Labelling Regulation, Increases Penalties

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority has introduced a new regulatory framework governing food packaging and labelling, with stricter compliance requirements and significantly increased penalties for violations affecting both domestic production and exports.

Under the Food Safety Act, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority yesterday released and implemented the “Regulation on Packaging and Labelling of Food,” targeting goods produced in and exported from the Maldives. The new regulation also bans the packaging of food in single-use plastic bottles, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and introduces a tiered penalty system for non-compliance.

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“MFDA stated” that the regulation aims to strengthen food safety standards and improve transparency in food marketing and packaging practices.

Misleading labelling and identity violations

The regulation prohibits importing, manufacturing, preparing, packaging, purchasing, or selling food for commercial purposes in a manner that misleads its true identity, whether conducted under an individual’s own name or through another person.

Violations of this provision will result in fines ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 70,000, alongside suspension of licences for a defined period and possible cancellation of registration. Re-registration or re-licensing will only be permitted once the issue is rectified and the suspension period has expired.

“Stated by MDFA” that enforcement actions will be applied consistently to ensure compliance across all operators in the food sector.

Penalties for repeated and high-risk violations

The regulation introduces escalating penalties based on the number of offences:

• First offence: MVR 10,000 fine and 7-day licence suspension
• Second offence: MVR 100,000 fine and 15-day suspension
• Third offence: MVR 750,000 fine and licence or registration cancellation
• Severe health risk cases: Up to MVR 1 million fine and cancellation of licence

Food labelling standards fines

Non-compliance with labelling requirements will also attract cumulative penalties:

• First offence: MVR 10,000
• Second offence: MVR 100,000
• Third offence: MVR 500,000
• Fourth offence: MVR 750,000
• Fifth offence and beyond: Up to MVR 1,000,000 and cancellation of licence

Packaging regulation penalties

Separate penalties apply for breaches of packaging rules:

• First offence: MVR 5,000
• Second offence: MVR 10,000
• Third offence: MVR 50,000
• Fourth offence: MVR 75,000
• Fifth offence and above: MVR 100,000

Legal enforcement and compliance

The MFDA confirmed that administrative action may be accompanied by criminal proceedings where applicable. It also noted that compensation may be pursued where harm or damages occur as a result of importing or distributing food in violation of food safety requirements.

“According to the Maldives Food and Drug Authority,” the new framework is intended to strengthen consumer protection and ensure accountability across the food supply chain.