Europe Asia News

According to the Ministry of Health, the Maldives has begun enforcing a smoking ban for everyone born after January 2007, becoming the only country in the world to implement an intergenerational tobacco ban.

The ministry stated that the measure, launched earlier this year by President Mohamed Muizzu and taking effect on November 1, “will protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.”

“Under the new regulation, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is prohibited from purchasing, using, or selling tobacco products in the Maldives,” the statement said.

The ban applies to all types of tobacco, and retailers must verify buyers’ ages before selling.

This measure also applies to visitors to the country, which consists of 1,191 small coral islands spread over about 800 km along the equator and is known for its luxury tourism.

The ministry also noted that a comprehensive ban remains in place on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.

Those who sell tobacco products to minors will face a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (3,200 USD), while using vape devices will incur a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa (320 USD).

New Zealand, the first country to introduce such an anti-smoking law, repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after it took effect.