Parliament's Committee on Social Affairs has passed the bill amending the Tobacco Control Act to ban vapes in Maldives, and to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21.
Parliament's Committee on Social Affairs has passed the bill amending the Tobacco Control Act to ban vapes in Maldives, and to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21.
As per the bill submitted by government aligned MP for North Henveiru Ahmed Aifan, the import of vapes will be banned effective November 15, with a subsequent ban on use, distribution, and sale of vapes to come into effect on December 15.
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.
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