The Maldives has enacted a historic and stringent law to safeguard public health and protect future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco. Under the new legislation, which came into effect this month, any individual born on or after January 1, 2007, is legally prohibited from using, purchasing, or selling tobacco products in the country.
This far-reaching law, which essentially aims to create a ‘tobacco-free generation,’ ensures that those born after 2006 will never be legally supplied with tobacco products. Reports confirm that the ban applies equally to both Maldivian citizens and all visitors and tourists entering the country.
To guarantee the law’s success, the government has placed strict responsibility on retailers. Sellers are mandated to verify the age and date of birth of the buyer before any sale of tobacco products, with heavy penalties imposed for non-compliance.
As part of this comprehensive tobacco control measure, the Maldives has already implemented strict regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping devices. This decision demonstrates the nation’s commitment to enforcing some of the strictest international laws to protect the health of its youth.
