Maldives President Promotes E-cigarette Ban: Import Ban in November, Full Ban in December

Maldives President Promotes E-cigarette Ban: Import Ban in November, Full Ban in December

Starting from November 15, 2024, the import of all electronic cigarette products and equipment components will be considered illegal. In addition, from December 15, 2024, the use, possession, production, sale, advertising, and distribution of all electronic cigarette products will also be completely prohibited.

According to Edition on October 14th, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced through X (Twitter) a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and related products, and instructed relevant departments to implement these changes on two specific dates.

The President of Maldives announced through X that "electronic cigarettes will be completely banned" | Image source: X

The statement states that from November 15, 2024, the import of all electronic cigarette products and equipment components will be considered illegal. In addition, from December 15, 2024, the use, possession, production, sale, advertising, and distribution of all electronic cigarette products will also be completely prohibited. The president stated that relevant departments have been instructed to implement these decisions.

This decision was made after a large number of requests from parents and healthcare providers, who strongly called for a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in the Maldives.

After the President's statement, Maldives Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that amendments to existing laws will be submitted to Parliament this week to implement the ban.