Parliament has unanimously approved a bill to reduce the import duty on cigarettes and other tobacco products while removing import duties on smoking cessation products.

The amendment, submitted on behalf of the Government by Komandoo Member of Parliament Mohamed Ibrahim, was passed with the support of all 68 members present during the sitting.

Under the revised law, the import duty on cigarettes will be reduced from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per cigarette. The reduction will also apply to hand-rolled cigarettes and non-combustible heated tobacco products.

The bill also removes import duties on smoking cessation products, including nicotine patches and nicotine gum, as part of efforts to encourage smokers to quit.

The Government stated that the changes are intended to align the country's tobacco control policies with recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), although the reduction is expected to lower projected customs revenue. The previous import duty was introduced in November 2024, when the tax on each cigarette was increased from MVR 3.30 to MVR 8.

The amendment comes as the Government continues to strengthen tobacco control measures. In recent years, authorities have introduced a generational smoking ban, prohibited the import and sale of vaping products, and launched a national anti-tobacco campaign focused on raising awareness and expanding smoking cessation services.

The new law will come into effect after receiving presidential assent, with the relevant implementation guidelines to be issued within 30 days.