Maldivians returning from overseas will now be able to bring a certain amount of tobacco products for personal use, with the regulation having been changed.
The duty exemption regulations covering products brought by travelers, minor items imported for personal use and business samples previously allowed tourists aged 18 and above to bring a specified quantity of tobacco products for personal use.
However, the President's Office amended the regulation today, which reads that Maldivians who are 21 years of age returning from overseas can bring a certain amount of some tobacco products for personal use that will be exempt from duty charges.
Tobacco products that can be imported into Maldives without having to pay duty charge:
- 200 cigarettes
- 20 cigars
- 100 grams of tobacco products
Additionally, products used to roll cigarettes that do not exceed a certain amount for personal use while being exempt from duty charges can be brought in as well, as per the regulation.
Even so, the regulation states that there can be no concessions given in importing tobacco products to those born on and after 2007. It also states that sheesha, e-cigarette, e-liquid and flavored cigarette products cannot be imported without paying duty charges.
Even though the current government has taken strong steps against smoking, some of the steps saw changes after a while. This includes reducing the duty for importing cigarettes.
Maldives is the first country where smoking has been prohibited for people born after a certain year. Products such as vapes have been banned in Maldives as well.
