Vape-related fines reach MVR 400 million, one individual fined MVR 72 million

More than MVR 400 million in fines have been imposed for importing vape products into Maldives since the ban came into effect late last year, Maldives Customs said.

This includes a single case involving a fine of MVR 72.1 million.

In a response to Mihaaru News under the Right to Information Act, Customs said 69 individuals have been fined between December 15, 2024 and June 15 this year.

The total value of the fines imposed during that period is MVR 400,460,000.

The amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which came into force in December, bans the import, use, sale and trade of vapes and e-cigarettes.

The law sets a fine of MVR 50,000 for importing vape devices, and MVR 10,000 per individual vape or e-cigarette imported.

While Customs said the largest fine issued was MVR 72.1 million, the exact quantity of vapes involved in the case was not disclosed.

It remains unclear how much of the total fines has actually been recovered by the state. Payments are collected through Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

Customs officials have expressed concern over the scale of the fines. Speaking to a parliament committee in May, Deputy Chief Superintendent Ahmed Simah said there was a need to study the practicalities of recovering such large sums.

“There are currently cases where private individuals have been fined MVR 48 million, MVR 40 million, in accordance with the legal requirement of MVR 10,000 per unit,” Simah said.

As part of broader efforts to curb tobacco use, the government has also raised the legal age for buying and selling tobacco products to 21.

Vape-related fines exceed MVR 40 mn but recovery unlikely, says Customs