President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 19th Amendment to the Export-Import Act of the Maldives. Passed during the 44th session of the 20th Parliament on Thursday, this amendment introduces substantial changes to import duties on tobacco products and electronic devices.

The amendment revises Section 5(m)(1)(i) of the Act, affecting import regulations for various tobacco products, including prepared tobacco, tobacco alternatives, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and their parts.

Additionally, Chapter 24, referenced in Section 7(a) of the Act, has been updated to reflect these changes.The new import duty rates for tobacco-related products are as follows: 

General tobacco and prepared tobacco products: A 200% import duty on all items within this category, with the exception of specific items listed separately. Cigarettes: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per cigarette.Bidi (traditional cigarettes): 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per bidi. Flavoured chemicals used in electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per milliliter. Heated tobacco products and consumable tobacco sticks: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per stick.

Further adjustments were made to Chapter 85(s) in Section 7(a), impacting electronic machinery, equipment, and parts, which now includes electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and tobacco heating products. These items are now subject to a 200% import duty.

The Act’s Section 8(1) introduces additional provisions, mandating that all related rules and regulations be established or updated within 30 days of the amendment's enactment and published in the Government Gazette.

The 19th Amendment to the Maldives Export-Import Act will come into effect on November 1, 2024, setting forth a new regulatory framework for the importation of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices in the Maldives.