HPA: Doubling cigarette duty not enough, enforcement of rules crucial for results

The move to double the import duty on cigarettes isn’t enough to prevent smoking, says a top official at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), stressing that the nationwide anti-smoking campaign launched by the health authorities will not produce results unless the related rules and regulations are enforced.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu launched a campaign against smoking last year, introducing a ban vapes and cigarettes, and doubling import duty and taxes on cigarettes – a move that more than doubled the price of common cigarette brands.

The administration decided that a portion of the import duty on cigarettes would be invested on initiatives to protect public health, including the expansion of smoking cessation services.

The laws and regulations also prohibit smoking in public spaces and the sale of individual cigarette sticks.

In an episode of Sun’s ‘Editor’s Talk’, which aired on Friday, HPA’s deputy director-general Hassan Mohamed expressed concern over the lax enforcement of these laws and regulations.

He said that the failure of authorities to properly enforce regulations is the reason for the lack of success in curbing smoking.

“Therefore, the claim of lack of funds is no excuse. I believe it’s a failure of relevant authorities. We hope this to change now,” he said.

Hassan also spoke about the recent decision by President Muizzu to introduce a generational ban on smoking for people born from 2007 onwards.

The ban is set to take effect in November.

Hassan said that the ban is an important decision, and one that does not require any additional funds. He said that what the ban requires is for businesses involved in the cigarette trade to be responsible and follow the laws and regulations.

In February, the Health Ministry publicized a general regulation on tobacco control. Businesses were given three months before many of the new rules take effect, including requiring a specialize license for trading in cigarettes.