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Maldives' Landmark Tobacco Ban: Why No One Born After 2007 Can Smoke

The Maldives has taken a groundbreaking step in public health by implementing a generational tobacco ban. This means anyone born after January 1, 2007 will never legally be able to use tobacco products in the country. The government has also completely outlawed electronic cigarettes and vaping devices nationwide. These measures represent President Muizzu's vision for creating a healthier, more responsible citizenry.

Key Points: Maldives Enforces Generational Tobacco Ban and E-Cigarette Prohibition

  • Complete ban on tobacco for anyone born after January 1, 2007
  • Nationwide prohibition of e-cigarettes and vaping devices
  • Heavy fines up to MVR 50,000 for importing vaping products
  • Tobacco sales restricted to those over 21 and pre-2007 generations
2 min read

Maldives enforces generational tobacco ban, outlaws e-cigarettes nationwide

Maldives implements historic tobacco ban for generations born after 2007, plus nationwide e-cigarette prohibition with heavy fines for violations.

"competent, morally upright, and diligent citizenry - President Mohamed Muizzu"

Male/Colombo, Nov 1

The Maldivian government has officially implemented landmark amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, introducing a generational ban on tobacco use effective from Saturday.

The new measures reflect President Mohamed Muizzu's vision of fostering a "competent, morally upright, and diligent citizenry," the state-run PSM News reported on Saturday.

The legislative package also enforced a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products, the report said.

First proposed on April 29, the legislation prohibits tobacco use among individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. It also restricts sales, with vendors now barred from selling tobacco products to anyone under 21 or to those born after the generational cut-off year, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The use, possession, importation, and manufacture of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and related accessories are now banned.

Last December, the Maldives government had implemented a nationwide ban on the use and sale of vaping devices. The ban followed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Muizzu on November 13, 2024.

The amendments stipulated that the sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices will be illegal beginning December 15, 2024.

The country's state-run Public Service Media (PSM) reported that importing vaping devices into the Maldives would result in a fine of MVR 50,000 (about 3,250 US dollars).

Several countries are making moves to tackle youth vaping via banning the manufacture and sale of disposable vaping products.

At the same time, the Maldivian government has also stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Earlier this year, Sri Lankan Customs destroyed illegally imported foreign cigarettes worth 1.2 billion rupees (approximately 4 million US dollars).

The cigarettes confiscated in 2018, 2022, and 2024 were destroyed in Colombo. According to Customs spokesman Seevali Arukgoda, the authorities seized 8.7 million cigarettes in total over those three years.

He said the agency plans to invest in modern equipment powered by artificial intelligence to improve container scanning and enhance contraband detection.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the health concerns, a complete generational ban seems quite extreme. What about personal freedom of choice? There should be education and awareness instead of outright bans.
A
Aditya G
Good initiative! In India, we've seen how tobacco destroys families and health. The MVR 50,000 fine for importing vaping devices is substantial - hope it deters smuggling effectively.
S
Sarah B
Interesting approach! The generational cutoff of 2007 means today's teenagers will never legally use tobacco. Wonder how enforcement will work in practice though.
M
Michael C
The AI-powered scanning equipment mentioned for Sri Lankan Customs is smart thinking. India should invest in similar technology to combat drug and tobacco smuggling across borders.
N
Nikhil C
As someone who quit smoking after 10 years, I fully support this! Tobacco addiction is terrible and preventing new generations from starting is the right approach. More countries should follow.

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