Vape import fines over MVR 600 million, most from Malaysia

Customs statistics have shown that the most amount of vapes being imported to Maldives come from Malaysia, with import fines being higher than MVR 600 million.

Via questions answered from Customs by Mihaaru News under Right to Information Act, Customs have said that 169 individuals have been fined since vapes have been banned up until 31st October 2025. Customs also said that the fines within that period totaled MVR 551,010,000.

After Customs had shared said information, a MVR 100 million fine has been accrued due to an illegal vape shipment being seized, with the total fine now being higher than MVR 600 million, as per information shared by Customs.

The most amount of vapes seized have been from individuals coming to Maldives from Malaysia, with the shipment totaling a fine more than MVR 100 million having 10,800 vapes. Customs have stated that the shipment, which was imported on 10th December, is worth MVR 2.7 million.

As per the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, import of vapes and its usage was banned on 15th December 2024.

The law allows fines of MVR 2,000 for illegal possession of a vape device, MVR 5,000 for vaping, MVR 10,000 for giving away a vape, and MVR 20,000 for selling one. Selling vapes to anyone under 21 carries a fine of MVR 50,000.

Authorities may also impose fines of up to MVR 50,000 if an individual refuses to hand over their vape or other related devices.

At that rate, the biggest shipment brought by "Serenity Blue" will be fined MVR 108,000,000. This brings the total vape fine to MVR 659,010,000.

The second highest vape fine is at MVR 72.1 million regarding the case where 7,210 vapes were imported to Maldives.

As per the latest information shared by Customs, vape fines were at MVR 400,460,000 up until August. In the last four months, that amount has gone up by MVR 258,550,000.

Within the steps taken to control tobacco and smoking in Maldives, the usage of vapes, selling and conducting vape related businesses have been banned. It has also been determined that only persons over the age of 21 will be able to purchase and sell tobacco products.