The Ministry of Health of the Maldives has opened applications for tobacco sales licenses, which are valid for five years. Applications must be submitted through the “Integrated Government Portal” within three months, covering wholesale and retail, import, re-export and the registration of new tobacco products. Violation will result in the revocation of the license and a fine ranging from MVR 1,000 ($65) to MVR 1,000,000 ($65,000).
Key points:
1. The Ministry of Health of the Maldives has initiated the application process for tobacco sales licenses, stipulating that all sellers need to complete the application within three months.
2. The new regulations require four different types of licenses, covering wholesale and retail, import, re-export, and registration of new tobacco products.
3. The validity period of the license is five years. Violators will face heavy fines, up to 65,000 US dollars.
Maldives opens tobacco sales license applications
According to a recent report by The Edition. The Ministry of Health of the Maldives announced that applications for tobacco sales licenses have now been opened.
According to the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, all businesses engaged in the wholesale and retail of tobacco products must obtain a valid tobacco sales license from the Ministry of Health in addition to a trade license.
The Ministry of Health pointed out that all relevant personnel need to complete the license application within three months. Applications can be submitted through the “OneGov” integrated Government portal. It is learned that the four types of licenses to be applied for this time are: The license for wholesale or retail of tobacco products, the license for import of tobacco products, the license for re-export of tobacco products, and the registration of new tobacco products.
Involving the registration of new tobacco products
The Ministry of Health disclosed that the validity period of these licenses is five years and comes with corresponding fees. The application for license renewal must be submitted within 60 days before the expiration of the existing license. The application fee for the tobacco wholesale and retail license is MVR 5,000 (330 US dollars), which is the same as the renewal standard. The cost of import and re-export is set at MVR 10,000 (650 US dollars), and the cost of establishing smoking areas in cafes and restaurants is also MVR 10,000 (650 US dollars).
If there is any violation of the regulations, the license will be revoked.
If there is any violation of the regulations. The license will be revoked. The law stipulates that the fines for such violations range from MVR 1,000 ($65) to MVR 1,000,000 ($65,000).
It is worth noting that the President of the Maldives signed a vape ban in November 2024. The bill comprehensively prohibits the import, sale and use of vaping and related products and stipulates strict penalty measures. Some provisions came into effect on December 15.
