The Ministry of Health has instructed Maldives Customs Service to seize all items used in tobacco product production, as such production is prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act.

This measure includes the seizure of all items used in the production of tobacco-related products, further tightening restrictions on tobacco use in the country.

The move follows amendments made to the Tobacco Control Act in November 2024. These changes introduced a prohibition on importing vapes and materials used in manufacturing tobacco products such as cigars and cigarettes.

A letter issued by the Ministry of Health to Customs Commissioner General Fathimath Dhiyana, dated December 24, detailed these changes. The letter, which has been widely circulated on social media, reaffirmed that Article 10 of the Act bans any form of tobacco product production within the Maldives.

In addition to implementing the ban, the Ministry of Health is prioritising support for tobacco cessation services. A separate letter revealed that the State Trading Organisation (STO) is facilitating the distribution of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, such as nicotine gum, to pharmacies across the islands.

To support these efforts, the Ministry has urged Customs to allow duty-free importation of a shipment of nicotine gum intended for this purpose.

While the law broadly prohibits tobacco-related products, items used in cessation or replacement therapies, as determined by technical authorities, are still permitted.

Under the Act, tobacco products are defined as items made from tobacco leaves, stems, or nicotine that can be consumed through smoking, chewing, smelling, or other means. The production of tobacco is further defined under the law to include processes such as drying tobacco using air, sunlight, fire, or other methods.

An official from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) clarified that the recent directives aim to ensure the implementation of pre-existing legal provisions.

As part of its broader efforts to discourage tobacco use, the Government has also raised duties on cigarettes by 50 per cent.