Currently priced at MVR 100 in the market, the cost of a pack is expected to rise to MVR 250 due to the tax increase.
The bill proposing an amendment to increase the duty on vapes imported between November 1 and November 15 has been debated and referred to the parliamentary committee for further consideration.
After November 15, the duty on vapes will rise further, and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a ban on the sale and use of vapes starting December 15, with instructions to relevant authorities to take action on November 14.
The amendment, proposed by Machangolhi North MP Ibrahim Mohamed on behalf of the government, seeks to increase the duty on vapes imported during the lead up to the ban on electronic cigarettes and related devices under the Tobacco Control Act.
The amendment includes a 50 percent tax on electronic tobacco products and a charge of MVR 8 per sticker. It also calls for an MVR 8 fee for flavors and chemicals added to tobacco products.
According to the bill, the changes will not result in additional state expenditure, but are expected to increase revenue from import duties by an estimated MVR 1.5 million next year.
The bill also provides for amendments to the circumstances in which import duty and royalty revenue can be exempted.
Currently priced at MVR 100 in the market, the cost of a pack is expected to rise to MVR 250 due to the tax increase.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to propose an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, raising the legal age for the sale of tobacco and tobacco products from 18 to 21 as part of efforts to discourage young people from tobacco use.
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