The president announced that he will present an amendment to parliament this week [middle of October] to increase import duties on tobacco products with effect from 1 November. The proposed amendments include an increase in the specific rate on cigarettes and beedi from MVR 3 to MVR 8 (USD 0.19 to 0.51) and a 50 per cent increase in ad valorem duty.



Special measures will be taken to strengthen the role of law enforcement authorities in banning tobacco consumption in public places.

In addition, the president announced the imminent launch of a comprehensive, large-scale campaign to help smokers quit the habit.

He called for the public’s cooperation and assistance in making the country tobacco-free.

Furthermore, he wrote on X: “I have directed the competent authorities to prohibit the importation of vaping products and their components into the country from 15 November 2024 and to take all necessary measures to prohibit the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising and free distribution of vaping products in the country from 15 December 2024.