The amendment to the Import Export Act, passed by Parliament yesterday, imposes a 50 percent duty on flame free tobacco products and MVR 8 per vape stick. Flavors and chemicals used in smoking devices will also incur a duty of MVR 8.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a bill to increase duty on vaping and tobacco products until the ban on vapes takes effect on November 15.
The amendment to the Import Export Act, passed by Parliament yesterday, imposes a 50 percent duty on flame free tobacco products and MVR 8 per vape stick. Flavors and chemicals used in smoking devices will also incur a duty of MVR 8.
In addition, the duty on electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and tobacco-heating products has been raised to 200 percent.
Currently, a pack of cigarettes costs around MVR 100, but this price is expected to double following the new duty rates.
President Muizzu has also announced that the sale and use of vapes will be banned starting December 15.
As part of broader efforts to discourage tobacco use among young people, the Tobacco Control Act, in effect for 14 years, has been amended to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The bill is currently under committee review.
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