Maldives bans tobacco for those born in 2007 or later

The Maldives has enacted a generational tobacco ban that makes it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 to buy, sell, or use tobacco in any form in the Indian Ocean archipelago. The amendment to the country’s Tobacco Control Act took effect on November 1 and applies to residents and visitors alike. Retailers are required to verify customers’ ages, and selling tobacco to someone born on or after 2007 carries a maximum fine of 50,000 rufiyaa. Use of vaping devices by people subject to the ban is also punishable by a fine.

The law builds on earlier measures that outlawed electronic cigarettes and vaping devices for all ages in 2024, prohibiting their import, sale, possession, distribution, and use. Customs guidance allows tourists on standard visitor visas to bring limited quantities of tobacco into the country for personal use, but excess tobacco will be confiscated and may be reclaimed through airport customs before departure. Officials have said businesses can face licence penalties if tobacco is used illegally on their premises.

Government officials framed the change as a public health priority. The president’s administration has emphasized policies aimed at...