President to increase import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products

In a bid to reduce tobacco consumption, the President has announced an increase in import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. This decision aims to encourage the public to avoid tobacco use. To support this initiative, an amendment to the law will be proposed to adjust both the specific and ad valorem rates of import duty on these items, effective November. The specific import duty on cigarettes and bidis will rise from USD 0.20 to USD 0.52 under the Export Import Act, while the ad valorem rate will increase by 50%. Additionally, the President has called for strengthened measures to empower enforcement agencies in curbing tobacco use in public spaces. A comprehensive, nationally recognized campaign will also be launched to assist habitual smokers in quitting. The President urges the public to collaborate in making Maldives a tobacco-free society. Furthermore, the President has announced plans to implement a ban on vaping, effective from December 15. He confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited starting November 15.