Maldives moves to ban tobacco production equipment
Proposed amendment introduces ‘generation ban,’ raises smoking age, and cracks down on online and black market sales
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government has submitted a sweeping proposal to Parliament to amend its Tobacco Control Act, aiming to tighten restrictions on tobacco use, production, and distribution—including a first-of-its-kind ban on tobacco manufacturing machinery.
The amendment bill, presented by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashrag on behalf of the government, would outlaw the import of equipment specifically designed for processing tobacco products.
The proposal comes amid a broader push to phase out smoking entirely for future generations.
According to the draft legislation, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, would be permanently prohibited from smoking—a move aligning with the government’s proposed “generation ban.”
The bill also seeks to raise the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21 and expand the scope of prohibited sales involving minors.
The proposed changes respond to growing concerns about the rise of black-market tobacco sales and enforcement gaps, particularly following a previous ban on vape products, which remains widely circumvented through online platforms.
Officials say that increases in tobacco taxes have driven some consumers to hand-rolled products, further complicating efforts to monitor consumption.
To combat these trends, the bill would also ban the sale of tobacco through vending machines, kiosks, and online platforms, while giving broader enforcement powers to customs and police officers.
Additionally, all tobacco sellers would be required to register and obtain licenses under the revised law.
The Maldives has already implemented some of the region’s highest tobacco taxes, and the proposed reforms are part of a larger strategy to reduce smoking-related health risks and eliminate future tobacco dependency.
If passed, the amendments would mark one of the most aggressive anti-tobacco efforts in South Asia, setting a new precedent in public health policy by targeting the supply chain alongside consumer access.
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