The Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to enforce a generational ban on tobacco and vaping, taking a bold step toward a smoke-free future. Under the new law—effective November 1, 2025—anyone born after January 1, 2007, including tourists, is prohibited from purchasing or using tobacco products.
A Landmark Public Health Reform
The ban was introduced through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year. It bars the sale, possession, and use of all tobacco products—including cigarettes and smokeless forms—for those born after the 2007 cut-off date.
The Maldives Ministry of Health hailed the move as a “historic milestone” that underscores the country’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Complete Ban on Vaping and E-Cigarettes
Setting a global precedent, the legislation also bans vaping and e-cigarettes across all age groups—including import, sale, and use.
Penalties are strict:
- Retailers selling tobacco to underage individuals face fines up to 50,000 Maldivian rufiyaa (approx. ₹2.9 lakh).
- Individuals caught using e-cigarettes can be fined 5,000 rufiyaa (around ₹29,000).
National Celebration and Support
To mark the law’s enforcement, the Maldives held a national torch relay on November 1, featuring schoolchildren, health workers, and community leaders.
First Lady Saajidhaa Mohamed praised the move as “a bold, evidence-based step to break the cycle of addiction,” while President Muizzu said it forms part of broader national health reforms promoting sustainable and healthy living across the island nation.
Facts
- Effective Date: November 1, 2025
- Eligibility Cut-off: Applies to anyone born after January 1, 2007
- Scope: Includes both citizens and tourists
- Coverage: All tobacco forms, vaping, and e-cigarettes banned
- Penalties:
- 50,000 MVR fine for illegal sales
- 5,000 MVR fine for personal violations
Global Context and Future Outlook
The Maldives’ move goes beyond New Zealand’s earlier tobacco-free generation policy, which was repealed in 2024 before implementation.
This initiative aligns with the global Tobacco Endgame movement, aiming to phase out tobacco use through sustained regulation and education. With tobacco-related diseases claiming over seven million lives annually, the Maldives’ generational ban could inspire other nations to adopt similar measures to protect future generations from addiction and preventable deaths.