Over 400 tobacco vendor licences issued

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued the vendor licences required under the Tobacco Control Act to more than 400 businesses across the Maldives.

Under the law, four types of licences are issued for tobacco-related activities: a licence to sell tobacco products individually or in bulk, a licence to import tobacco products, a licence to register new tobacco products, and a licence to re‑export tobacco products. Each licence carries a separate fee.

An HPA spokesperson told Sun that 437 businesses have been issued vendor licences so far. In addition, 31 parties have been issued tobacco import licences, while two parties have received re‑export licences.

The government has recently strengthened tobacco control measures, including increasing duties on cigarettes and imposing a nationwide ban on vapes and e‑cigarettes. The ban was introduced after authorities observed a sharp rise in vaping among young people, including school students. Importing and trading vapes is now illegal, and action is being taken against those who violate the ban.

A ‘generational ban’ has also been introduced, prohibiting the use of tobacco for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has further announced a cash reward for every resident of islands that successfully achieve a completely smoke‑free population.

Despite these measures, many tobacco regulations remain poorly enforced. Smoking in public places and the sale of certain prohibited cigarette products continue openly, with little action taken. Second‑hand smoke remains a concern, especially for vulnerable groups, and in many public spaces there is limited opportunity to avoid exposure.