Parliament has approved the amendment proposed to the Tobacco Control Act, which seeks to ban the use and import of vapes. The bill was passed unanimously, with 54 votes in favour. The amendment to the Tobacco Control Act was introduced by parliamentarian Ahmed Aifan on October 23.
This amendment aims to prohibit the use and sale of vapes while instituting stringent measures against violators. Under the proposed amendment, the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21 will be prohibited, along with any participation in such sales. Additionally, retailers will be required to display warnings at points of sale. Currently, the minimum age for selling tobacco products is set at 18 years.
The amendment further stipulates that the advertisement, public display, and transportation of tobacco products in public view will be prohibited in the Maldives. The manufacture of tobacco and any tobacco-related products will also be prohibited.
Moreover, the proposed amendment prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices such as e-cigarettes. Should such items be imported into the Maldives, a fine of USD 3,257 will be levied, along with a fine of USD 651 for each individual item. The bill specifies a fine of USD 1,302 for selling any type of vaping device and a fine of USD 651 for each item sold. Additionally, a fine of USD 325.75 will be imposed for the use of any vaping device.
Furthermore, any individual who sells or distributes a vaping device to a minor will face a fine of USD 3,257, in addition to penalties for the sale and distribution of such devices. Under this amendment, all individuals engaged in the import, export, and sale of tobacco products—both in bulk and individually—will be required to obtain a special licence, which will not be granted for tobacco-related businesses alone.
The bill was reviewed by the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs, which approved the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act after introducing two additional amendments to the bill. Following the approval of the parliament, the amendment is will come into effect on November 15, after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratifies the bill.