President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a landmark amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, officially enacting a generational tobacco ban in the Maldives. The amendment, passed by Parliament, prohibits the sale and use of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. The ban will come into force on November 1, 2025.
The ratification ceremony was held at the President's Office today. Under the amended law, it is illegal to sell tobacco to individuals from the designated generation, and sellers are required to verify that buyers are over 21 years old and born before the cutoff date. Additionally, the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, online platforms, or by post—where identity verification is not possible—has also been banned.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu said the new law offers a comprehensive solution to tobacco-related issues and improves upon earlier efforts such as the vape ban by including detailed enforcement procedures. He emphasized that the generational ban is a step toward achieving a tobacco-free society in the Maldives and called for public cooperation to ensure its success.
The President highlighted that today’s youth will be central to building the nation’s future and that safeguarding them from tobacco-related diseases will enhance productivity and drive national progress.