Maldives smoking ban
The Maldives has become the only nation in the world to implement a generational smoking ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of all tobacco products by individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
According to the Health Ministry’s official notification, “Individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are banned from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products in the Maldives.” The law, effective Saturday, November 1, applies to both residents and visitors across the island nation.
A Step Toward a Healthier Future
Health authorities said the move addresses the country’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits. The ministry emphasized the importance of prevention, public awareness, and systemic health initiatives to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Details of the Ban
The order mandates strict age verification before any tobacco sale. If there is doubt about a person’s age, retailers must confirm their date of birth prior to selling tobacco products. The law covers all forms of tobacco and extends to tourists visiting the Maldives’ 1,191 coral islands scattered across the equator.
Violations are subject to heavy penalties — selling tobacco to underage individuals can result in fines of 50,000 rufiyaa (≈ $3,200), while using or possessing vape devices carries a 5,000 rufiyaa (≈ $320) fine.
Broader Tobacco Controls
President Mohamed Muizzu introduced the legislation during an April 13 Cabinet meeting, calling for collective action to eradicate unhealthy social habits. The Maldives previously raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 and banned the import of e-cigarettes and vaping devices in November 2024 — a policy that also applies to tourists. The new law maintains a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes for all age groups.
Global Context
While New Zealand was the first country to pass a generational smoking law, it repealed the measure in 2023. The United Kingdom is still debating similar legislation. With this new policy, the Maldives now stands alone as the first and only country actively enforcing a nationwide generational tobacco ban.
