In line with the Tobacco Control Act, the Ministry of Health has now announced the opening of registration for newly imported tobacco products and the issuance of mandatory licenses under the new Tobacco Control Regulations.
The Wall Street Journal
The Maldives is intensifying its efforts to reduce tobacco use and promote a healthier society through a comprehensive national strategy. Recognizing the significant health risks associated with smoking and vaping—particularly among youth—the government has implemented a series of robust reforms to curb tobacco consumption across the country.
In late 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu unveiled a nationwide master plan aimed at achieving a lasting reduction in smoking within four years. The plan includes the establishment of tobacco cessation clinics on every inhabited island, the classification of cessation services as preventive healthcare, and the provision of free medications to support individuals seeking to quit. Legislative reforms followed, including amendments to the Tobacco Control Act that raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21, banned the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and increased import duties on tobacco products. A generational tobacco ban was also introduced, prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.
In line with this, the Ministry of Health has now announced the opening of registration for newly imported tobacco products and the issuance of mandatory licenses under the new Tobacco Control Regulations.
According to the Ministry’s official publication, four types of licenses are now available. Each license will be issued for a period of five years upon payment of the prescribed fee. License holders must renew their permits at least 60 days prior to expiry. The available licenses and their associated fees are:
These regulatory requirements are part of a broader push to strengthen oversight over the tobacco industry and align national policy with public health priorities. With these layered initiatives—ranging from public health support to strict regulation—the Maldives is looking at some of the first measures that may change the way the Maldivian society views smoking.
