President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has last night ratified the bill on ban of importing vapes effective tomorrow, November 15, and the subsequent ban on use, distribution and sale of vapes from December 15 onwards.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has last night ratified the bill on ban of importing vapes effective tomorrow, November 15, and the subsequent ban on use, distribution and sale of vapes from December 15 onwards.
As per the amendment passed by the parliament last Tuesday, use, distribution and sale of vapes, electronic cigarettes and related devices are banned in Maldives effective December 15.
This first amendment to the Tobacco Control Act was proposed to parliament by North Henveiru MP Ahmed Aifan of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
According to the Act, import of such products would now result in a fine of MVR 50,000 being levied against the importer, with an additional Mvr 10,000 fined for each unit.
With this ban, sale of such an item will result in being fined MVR 20,000, and MVR 10,000 for each separate unit. If distributed without charge, a fine still applies, this time of MVR 10,000. If the sale is to a minor, then the fine rises to MVR 50,000.
Effective tomorrow, the minimum age for purchasing of tobacco is now raised to 21 years.
Smoking in government offices located in private buildings are also prohibited hereonwards.
The initially included article on banning products including tobacco being used for cessation treatments has been removed from the bill before ratification.
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