The Maldivian government is moving to eliminate duty exemptions on unhealthy products such as vape and energy drinks to streamline its policies in accordance with international treaties concerning health.
All duty exemption allowances previously granted for import of vape and energy drinks will be removed from next month onwards, announced Deputy Chief Superintendent of Maldives Customs Service Ahmed Niyaz last night.
Speaking with state media Public Service Media (PSM), Niyaz said that two main changes have been brought about in accordance with the new amendments to Customs' general regulations.
One of those changes is the removal of duty exemptions for certain imports, he said.
Niyaz explained that the duty exemption previously allowed for cigarettes and other tobacco products as well as vape appliances and energy drinks will be removed starting 1st August.
"[You would know] Maldives has signed many international treaties on health. Allowing exemptions for things such as tobacco is not encouraged by [the treaties]," he detailed.
- Cigarettes
- Vape
- Energy drinks
- Plastic bags
- Single use plastic
- Land vehicles
The second change, Niyaz said, is increasing the import duty exemption threshold from MVR 6,000 to MVR 10,000.
20 years ago, this threshold was at MVR 20,000. However, it was bumped down to MVR 6,000 in 2013.
The new exemption threshold is effective from 1st July 2023, Niyaz said.
"The biggest reason for increasing this allowance is to clear the [shipments] as soon as possible when products are brought the most from places like Shein. When the [allowance] was limited to MVR 6,000, the parcels had to be opened and checked. With the limit increased to MVR 10,000, [the shipments] can be cleared without opening them and needing documents," he added.
However, this is not an allowance for local businesses, he said, noting that this exemption would not be granted if the quantity of the items suggest that the products are brought in for a business.
Sign In