Importers to bear cost of destroying non-compliant tobacco products

Regulations have been amended to mandate importers to bear the cost of destroying tobacco products imported to the Maldives that fail to meet the permitted requirements.

The third amendment to Health Ministry’s Regulation on Tobacco Packaging and Labeling requires Customs to destroy tobacco products imported to the Maldives that do not meet the permitted requirements.

It further states the importer must pay the cost of destroying the items in a sustainable manner to Customs alongside any additional costs that may be incurred while the items remain in Customs’ custody until they are destroyed.

As per the amendment, it is also Customs which will assume the responsibility of enforcing fines against individuals for violations of import procedures on tobacco products and recovering unpaid fines.

However, it is the Health Protection Agency (HPA) that will enforce fines for all violations of the regulation that occur outside of the import procedures, recover unpaid fines and destroy such items.

This will not be applicable to tobacco products are imported by post or courier for personal use and excess tobacco products brought by inbound travelers – which will be dealt by Customs.

The regulation change comes following a hike on the import duty on cigarettes and bidi (traditional cigarettes) by 50 percent plus an additional MVR 8 per each unit.