Customs' tracking devices made mandatory on safaris

Maldives Customs Service has amended its regulations to make it mandatory to fit tracking devices on safaris carrying alcohol and pork products.

The amendment passed on February 29 was implemented on March 15.

According to Customs, a set of regulations was formulated and implemented in 2018 to monitor the movement of goods and vessels under the control of Customs from one place to another.

When the regulation first came into effect, tracking devices were installed, and Customs monitored only vessels that were allowed to go to places other than the official harbors, as well as vessels carrying alcohol and pork items to their intended destinations.

Under the new amendment, Customs stated that more vessels would also need to be fitted with tracking devices. These vessels include:

1. Safaris carrying alcohol and pork products

2. Vessels permitted to be in local harbors under safe anchorage

3. Local vessels carrying goods to vessels under the Customs control

Customs stated that it will continue to monitor the movement of vessels mandated to install the tracking device.