The Ministry of Health has initiated a new regulatory measure requiring all individuals and businesses involved in the sale, import, and distribution of tobacco products in the Maldives to obtain official licences. 

The move, part of the General Rules on Tobacco Control issued under the Tobacco Control Act, aims to strengthen oversight and reduce unauthorised tobacco-related activity across the country.

In an announcement on April 17, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that applications for tobacco-related licences are now open and must be submitted through the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) OneGov portal. The mandate covers licences for the wholesale and retail sale of tobacco products, import and re-export of tobacco, as well as the registration of new tobacco products introduced to the market.

Each licence will be valid for five years and must be renewed at least 60 days prior to expiry. The fee for obtaining and renewing a sales licence has been set at MVR 5,000. For import, re-export, and registration of smoking zones in public venues such as cafés and restaurants, the licensing fee stands at MVR 10,000.

The Health Ministry has given a three-month grace period for those engaged in the tobacco business to comply with the new requirements. According to the Ministry, any entity found operating without a valid licence after this period will face fines of MVR 50,000 for the first offence, with repeat violations incurring penalties of up to MVR 100,000. The Tobacco Control Act allows for penalties ranging from MVR 1,000 to MVR 1 million, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.