The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that all tobacco products imported and sold in the Maldives will be required to carry approved health warnings from 28 July 2026.

In a statement, the HPA said the deadline for full compliance with the new requirement is 28 January 2026. Tobacco products imported without health warnings will no longer be permitted for sale after 27 July 2026, meaning existing stocks without the required warnings must be cleared before that date.

The agency also clarified updates to the registration and classification of tobacco products. Under the revised system, different flavours of the same tobacco brand will no longer require separate registration, provided they fall under the same product category, brand, and country of origin. Product categories include smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, heated tobacco and other tobacco products.

However, the HPA noted that if any of these elements differ, such as the product category or country of origin, the tobacco product must be registered as a separate item. For statistical and monitoring purposes, importers will still be required to submit documentation detailing flavour information to the Maldives Customs Service at the time of import.

The updated list of registered tobacco products, completed on 22 December last year, includes newly registered products and reflects the streamlined registration process.

The announcement comes amid efforts by the Government to move towards a tobacco-free society. Recent measures include increased customs duties on tobacco products, a complete ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, and the introduction of a landmark generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007.