Majlis accepts bill to increase duty on cigarette, energy drinks

People’s Majlis has accepted the bill to amend Import/Export Act to increase import duty taken from energy drinks and cigarettes.

The bill, put forward on behalf of government by Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir proposes increasing import duty on cigarettes to MVR 2 per cigarette, and increasing import duty on energy drinks and soft drinks to MVR 4.60 per liter.

The bill was accepted by People’s Majlis during this Tuesday’s sitting with the vote of 51 MPs.

Nine MPs voted to reject the bill.

It has now been sent to General Purpose Committee of People’s Majlis for evaluation.

Increasing import duty on cigarettes at the rate of MVR 2 per cigarette will push up the price of a cigarette pack to MVR 90.

Its estimated increasing import duty on cigarettes will earn State MVR 200 million, and increasing import duty on energy drinks will earn State an income of MVR 9 million.