Maldives Customs Implements Strict New Regulations on Tobacco Storage and Vessel Monitoring

In a significant regulatory shift, the Maldives Customs Service has amended its Customs General Regulation, banning the storage of tobacco-related products in bonded warehouses. This change aligns with recent amendments to the Export-Import Act, which seek to reduce tobacco usage through heightened import restrictions.

Previously, bonded warehouses were permitted to store imported tobacco products. However, under the 15th amendment to the Customs regulation, these storage facilities can no longer house tobacco, tobacco alternatives, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices. Complementary goods associated with these products are similarly prohibited from being stored in bonded warehouses. Additionally, the amendment bans the importation of certain ship-stored items, including alcohol, pork, and tobacco products, which were previously allowed on select transport vessels under Customs oversight.

The amendment also introduces new regulations for maritime vessel tracking. Vessels entering Maldivian waters are now required to keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) on at all times, ensuring Customs can continuously monitor their location and route.

To strengthen enforcement, substantial fines have been introduced:

- A fine of MVR 200,000 will be imposed on any attempts to smuggle goods into the Maldives without declaring them in the Inward or Outward Cargo Manifest.

- Vessels deviating from the submitted travel route will face a fine of MVR 100,000.

- A fine of MVR 200,000 will apply if vessels disable their AIS systems while approaching or within Maldivian waters.

The Customs Service emphasized that these amendments are part of the broader government initiative to enhance regulatory compliance and minimize the smuggling and misuse of restricted goods, particularly those contributing to public health concerns like tobacco.