President Muizzu Announces Excise Duty Hike on Cigarettes, Sets Ban on Vaping Products

President Mohamed Muizzu has announced a hike in the import duty on cigarettes, as part of a broader initiative to curb smoking and promote a tobacco-free society in the Maldives. The announcement was made via a post on X, where the president detailed steps aimed at discouraging smoking and addressing the public health impact of tobacco use.

Effective from November 1, 2024, the government will raise the specific import duty on cigarettes from RF 3 to RF 8 under Chapter 24 of Section 7 of the Export Import Act. Additionally, the ad valorem tax on these products will be increased by 50 percent, further raising the cost of tobacco in the country.

President Muizzu emphasized the need for the government and enforcement agencies to take strict measures to prevent smoking in public areas and ensure compliance with existing regulations. He also announced the launch of a nationwide anti-smoking campaign, aimed at helping those addicted to smoking to quit.

This is part of a larger national strategy to reduce tobacco consumption, with the President seeking full cooperation from citizens to create a tobacco-free Maldives.

In addition to raising duties on tobacco products, President Muizzu has also moved to ban the import and use of vaping products. From November 15, 2024, the importation of individual parts of vapes will be prohibited. A complete ban on the sale, use, transportation, advertisement, and distribution of vaping materials will take effect on December 15, 2024.