- While the Maldives moves forward with its anti-smoking strategy, similar proposals in other countries remain uncertain.
- The United Kingdom is still considering a comparable ban, while New Zealand—previously the first country to enact such legislation—repealed its law in November 2023, less than a year after it took effect.
The Maldives began enforcing a landmark smoking ban on Saturday on anyone born after January 1, 2007, becoming the only country in the world to implement an age-based tobacco prohibition, according to the Ministry of Health.
The ministry explained that the policy—introduced earlier this year by President Mohamed Muizzu and effective as of November 1—seeks to protect public health and promote the rise of a tobacco-free generation.
Under the new law, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, are prohibited from purchasing, using, or selling tobacco products anywhere in the Maldives. The measure applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify customers’ ages before completing sales.
The ban extends to visitors to the island nation, which consists of 1,191 small coral islands spread across the Indian Ocean, about 800 kilometers from the equator, and is renowned as a luxury tourist destination.
The Health Ministry also reaffirmed the country’s comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and related products, applicable to all individuals regardless of age.
Violators face strict penalties—those who sell tobacco to minors may be fined 50,000 Maldivian rupees (approximately $3,200), while using electronic smoking devices carries a fine of 5,000 rupees ($320).
While the Maldives moves forward with its anti-smoking strategy, similar proposals in other countries remain uncertain.
The United Kingdom is still considering a comparable ban, while New Zealand—previously the first country to enact such legislation—repealed its law in November 2023, less than a year after it took effect.
