Maldives Tobacco Ban 2025

In a groundbreaking move for global public health, the Maldives Tobacco Ban has positioned the island nation as a pioneer in the global fight against tobacco use. Effective November 1, 2025, the law prohibits anyone born after January 1, 2007, including tourists, from purchasing or using tobacco products.

This decisive measure marks a historic moment in Tobacco Control Maldives, advancing a national vision of a smoke-free generation and setting a new global benchmark.

Background and Legislative Framework

The Maldives Tobacco Ban was implemented through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, ratified earlier this year by President Mohamed Muizzu. The new tobacco law in the Maldives bars the sale and consumption of all tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, for individuals born after the 2007 cut-off year.

The Maldives Ministry of Health described this as a “historic milestone” that reinforces the country’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

With this legislation, the Tobacco Law Maldives has evolved into a strong instrument for public health reform, representing a critical milestone in Maldives health law and governance.

Comprehensive Ban on Vaping and E-Cigarettes

A distinctive feature of the Maldives Tobacco Ban is its complete prohibition of vaping and e-cigarettes. Unlike previous global efforts, the Maldives vaping ban extends to all age groups, including tourists.

Under the Maldives e-cigarette ban of 2025, the import, sale, possession, and use of vaping devices are strictly forbidden.

Violations attract severe penalties:

• Retailers selling to underage buyers face fines up to 50,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

• Individuals caught using e-cigarettes can be fined 5,000 MVR.

These tobacco sales restrictions in the Maldives highlight the government’s determination to curb nicotine addiction and safeguard future generations from its harmful effects.

National Support and Implementation

• The implementation of the Maldives Tobacco Ban has been met with widespread national support.

• To mark the law’s enforcement, a national torch relay was held on November 1, featuring schoolchildren, community leaders, and health officials.

• First Lady Saajidhaa Mohamed praised the move as “a bold, evidence-based step to break the cycle of addiction.”

• President Mohamed Muizzu emphasised that the Maldives generational tobacco ban is part of comprehensive public health reforms to promote sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

• The Maldives public health sector has thus taken a proactive approach, focusing on prevention rather than treatment.

Global Context and Comparisons

• The Maldives Tobacco Ban goes further than any other similar legislation globally. New Zealand’s generational smoking ban, which inspired several nations, was repealed in 2024 before it could take effect.

• In contrast, the Maldives becomes the first country with a generational tobacco ban, setting a powerful precedent for the Tobacco Endgame movement—a global initiative to eliminate tobacco use.

• Experts view the Maldives' tobacco-free generation policy as a model for effective and sustainable Tobacco Control Maldives efforts.

• With tobacco-related diseases causing over seven million deaths annually, this policy could serve as a turning point for countries pursuing ambitious public health goals.

Impact on Tourism and Society

• The Maldives Tobacco Ban also affects the tourism sector, a major pillar of the nation’s economy.

• The Maldives' tobacco and vaping ban for all tourists ensures that visitors comply with national health policies, promoting an image of a clean and healthy island destination.

• Under the Maldives smoking laws for tourists, both purchasing and using cigarettes or vaping devices are prohibited.

• Officials argue that the tobacco use prohibition in the Maldives aligns with global health standards and enhances the country’s environmental and wellness-focused tourism brand.

For citizens, the new Maldives law banning smoking for those born after 2007 signifies a cultural and generational shift. It demonstrates the government’s long-term strategy to nurture a smoke-free, health-conscious population and to strengthen Maldives Public Health systems.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Law Name: Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act

• Effective From: November 1, 2025

• Applicable To: Anyone born after January 1, 2007, including tourists

• Penalties:

  • Retailers: Fine up to 50,000 MVR

  • Individuals: Fine up to 5,000 MVR for smoking or vaping

• Coverage: Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping products

• Significance: The Maldives Tobacco Ban makes the Maldives the first country to enforce a generational tobacco ban.

• Goal: Promote a smoke-free generation under the Maldives Tobacco Control Act 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Maldives Tobacco Ban, effective from November 1, 2025, makes the Maldives the first country in the world to introduce a generational smoking and vaping ban. Under the law, anyone born after January 1, 2007, including tourists, is prohibited from purchasing or using tobacco products.

Enforced through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, the policy also includes a complete ban on vaping and e-cigarettes across all age groups.

With strict fines for violations, the Maldives Tobacco Ban reflects a bold commitment to public health, aiming to build a smoke-free generation and inspire other nations to adopt similar tobacco control initiatives.