Thursday, November 7, 2024 In a decisive move to regulate tobacco and nicotine products more stringently, the Maldives has introduced new customs rules impacting tourists, retailers, and local consumers. Effective from November 2024, these rules end the duty-free allowances on tobacco products, impose stricter limits on imports by tourists, and ban all vaping materials. The updated regulations, led by Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana, are expected to influence the availability and cost of tobacco and nicotine items, reshaping aspects of the tourism industry and the domestic market.
Previously, certain duty exemptions applied to imported tobacco and nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and shisha, allowing these items to be more accessible to tourists and residents. However, under the new policy, all duty-free concessions for tobacco products have been revoked. This means that tourists and local retailers will now face higher costs for importing tobacco and nicotine-related items, as they will be subject to the standard import duties without any exceptions.
The Maldives Customs Service will strictly enforce these changes, ensuring that all tobacco and nicotine imports, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and shisha, are subject to full duties. Customs officials will oversee the implementation of these measures at all entry points, marking the government’s third attempt to remove duty-free incentives for tobacco products after two previous deferrals. This .
