The Maldives Customs Service (MCS) has announced that duty will now be charged on vehicles that were imported duty-free for specific projects but are being used in violation of import regulations.

In a press release issued, Customs said it has identified cases where vehicles imported under duty exemptions for project use have not been re-exported upon completion of the projects. Instead, the vehicles are being used within the Maldives without the required duties being paid.

Customs stated that vehicles found to be in breach of the conditions of duty exemption will be searched and taken into custody, with cases investigated and appropriate action taken. Duty collection on such vehicles will commence from today.

The decision follows concerns raised by the business community during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s meeting with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on 17 December 2025. At the meeting, business representatives highlighted that some duty-exempt vehicles imported for projects were neither returned nor properly cleared, and were instead being rented out to third parties.

 President Dr Muizzu assured the business community that the Government would take action within the legal framework to address concerns raised. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting businesses at all levels.