Parliament Passes Stricter Tobacco Control Law, Bans Tobacco Production Machinery
Tobacco consumption has reportedly shifted to other means—such as the hand-rolling of tobacco—following recent increases in tobacco taxes.
The People’s Majlis has passed major amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, introducing sweeping new restrictions on the production, sale, and use of tobacco products in the Maldives.
The amendment bill, submitted by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashrag on behalf of the government, was approved with overwhelming support — 63 members voted in favour, with only one voting against.
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A central provision of the law is the ban on tobacco production machinery, aimed at preventing local production and tightening the grip on unregulated tobacco processing. The new legislation also implements a “generation ban”, permanently prohibiting individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 from smoking. Additionally, the legal age for the sale and use of tobacco products has been raised from 18 to 21 years.
Key Amendments Passed:
- Ban on tobacco production machinery
Importation of mechanical or automated equipment used specifically for producing tobacco products is prohibited.
- Generation ban implemented
Individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are permanently banned from smoking.
- Legal age raised to 21
Use and sale of tobacco products are now restricted to individuals aged 21 and above.
- Mandatory age verification
Vendors are legally required to verify the age of customers before selling tobacco.
- Tobacco sales licensing
Vendors must obtain a specific licence to sell tobacco products. All sales must be registered and regulated.
- Ban on vending machines, kiosks, and online sales
Tobacco products may not be sold through vending machines, unmanned kiosks, or online platforms.
- Expanded enforcement powers
Police and customs officers have been given broader authority to enforce tobacco regulations.
- Limit on personal importation
Maldivians and foreigners entering the country may bring tobacco for personal use, limited to one carton of cigarettes per passenger.
- Penalties for violations
Individuals or entities found violating the provisions of the Act will face a minimum fine of MVR 1,000, with penalties reaching up to MVR 1 million, depending on the severity of the offence.
Background
The amendments come as part of a wider public health strategy adopted by the government following Cabinet approval in 2023 to introduce a “smoke-free generation” policy. The initiative is aligned with global efforts to reduce tobacco-related harm, particularly among young people.
In recent years, the government has increased tobacco taxes and banned the sale and import of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. However, these measures inadvertently led to a rise in hand-rolled tobacco use and an expanding black market, with unregulated sales thriving online and through informal channels.
By enhancing regulatory oversight and restricting access points, the government hopes to address these loopholes, discourage new smokers, and ultimately reduce the public health burden associated with tobacco use.
Officials say the new measures represent a bold step forward in tobacco control and underscore the government’s commitment to protecting future generations from addiction and preventable disease.
