Generational Ban comes into effect

Tobacco 'Generational Ban’, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born in 2007 or later, came into effect from midnight last night. 

The amendments made to the law late last year also raised the minimum age for selling tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. Furthermore, if there is any doubt about a person's age, tobacco products can only be sold after age verification.

However, as per the generational ban amendment ratified six months ago, it is not permissible to sell tobacco products to an individual born in 2007 or later even after they turn 21 years of age.

Following the ratification of the Generation Bill into law, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that unhealthy habits in society can be eradicated through collective effort.

Previous statistics shared by Customs indicate that each year over MVR 1 billion is spent on importing upwards of 500 million cigarettes into the Maldives. As per date from National Health Accounts, on average, about 9.7 percent of GDP or 19 percent of the budget goes towards maintaining health services. 

Unhealthy lifestyle habits are driving serious health problems in the Maldives, the Health Ministry has said, stressing the need for prevention, public awareness, and systemic support to improve outcomes and cut healthcare costs. 

In an effort to build a healthy generation, the importation of vapes and e-cigarettes into the Maldives has also been banned since November 15 of last year.