Govt to increase legal age to buy tobacco products

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that amendments to the Tobacco Control Act will be presented to the parliament on Tuesday, October 22nd.

This marks a significant step in the current administration's efforts to curb tobacco consumption in the Maldives, which earlier included a declaration of ban on vape products - with imports of such products expected to stop by November 15th.

President Muizzu shared the decision of making statutory changes in a post on X on Monday evening, where he confirmed that the government plans to raise the legal age of trading tobacco and tobacco products to 21 years.

This decision was made in an effort to deter young people from picking up the harmful habit.

Additionally, the use, possession, production, sale, advertisement, and distribution of vape products is expected to become unlawful by December 15th.

President has already directed all relevant state bodies to make necessary legal changes to ensure these decisions get implemented on the set dates.