Parliament has passed the bill banning the import of vapes, effective November 15, with a subsequent ban on their use, distribution, and sale set to take effect on December 15.
Parliament has passed the bill banning the import of vapes, effective November 15, with a subsequent ban on their use, distribution, and sale set to take effect on December 15.
The bill, submitted by government aligned MP for North Henveiru Ahmed Aifan, outlines severe penalties for violations.
The amendment lays out severe penalties for those who contravene these laws. As such, import of vapes, or related products, after the date of the ban would result in fines of MVR 50,000, with an MVR 10,000 fine for every e-cigarette or vape unit brought in.
Sale of such products lead to a fine of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each unit sold. Free distribution of such products also carry a fine, of MVR 10,000.
If such a product is sold to a minor, then the fine increase to MVR 50,000.
The bill also raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21.
Among the amendments introduced by the Social Committee, smoking will now be banned in government office buildings operated from private buildings.
When the bill was first introduced, it included tobacco as part of cessation treatments, but this section was removed by the committee.
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