The President of the Maldives has approved amendments to the taxation of cigarettes and vapes, which will impose a 200% import duty on vapes, fogging devices, and heated cigarettes, effective from November 1, 2024.
Maldives President approves new tax bill
According to Raajje on Nov 3, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu approved an amendment to the tax on tobacco and vapes.
In mid-October this year, the Parliament passed a proposal to tax vapes and tobacco by 65 votes.
Import tax on vapes raised to 200%
The President of the Maldives has approved the 19th amendment to the Export and Import Act, which significantly modifies import duties on cigarettes and vapes. The amendment changes the import regulations of tobacco commodities under Section V of the Export and Import Act, including processed cigarettes, cigarette substitutes, vapes, and heated cigarette commodities and their components. In addition, the content of Section 7, chapter 24, has been adjusted.
According to the new regulations, all products under the general and production cigarette product types will be subject to a 200% tariff, except for some specific items. Tobacco, Beedi(Indian hand cigarette) vape flavoring chemicals, heated cigarettes, and their consumables will be subject to a 50% duty of 8 Lafia (MVR) per stick or milliliter (US $0.52).
The president also said that Section 7, Chapter 85, which deals with the adjustment of electronic machinery, equipment, and components, will impose a 200% import duty on vapes, atomizing equipment, and heated cigarettes. Other important changes include that all relevant provisions need to be formulated or updated and published in the Government Gazette within 30 days after the amendment takes effect. The amendment will come into force on November 1, 2024.
Previously, the President of the social platform “X” banned the import of vape devices and their components, with effect from November 15, 2024, and banned the use, possession, production, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vape devices in the Maldives from December 15, 2024.
