Smoking Ban in Maldives: Maldives has become the world’s first country to ban generational smoking, which will be effective November 1, 2025. Under the new rule, smoking, buying and selling tobacco will be illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2007. Therefore, Archipelago becomes the only nation globally with such a regulation.
The move, which was initiated by the president, Mohamed Muizzu, earlier this year and came into effect on 1 November, will “protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation”, the ministry said. The country’s Ministry of Health said that the ban is the historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation. The decision has also been praised by the WHO.
Smoking Ban in Maldives: Maldives New Smoking Rule
Under the new regulation, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, will be prohibited from smoking, purchasing, or selling tobacco products. With this decision, the Archipelago has become the first country in the world to implement such a sweeping restriction.
According to the order, if there is any uncertainty about a buyer’s age, tobacco may only be sold after proper age verification. The ban extends to all types of tobacco products, and retailers must confirm the buyer’s age before completing a sale.
The law also applies to foreign visitors entering the nation, which consists of 1,191 small coral islands spread across 800 kilometres along the equator and is famous for its high-end tourism industry.
Violations carry strict penalties: selling tobacco to a minor can result in a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (about $3,200), while using vaping devices is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa (around $320).
