The Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced on Thursday that it will begin taking action on January 28, 2026 against tobacco products that do not comply with new labeling requirements.
The new regulations, stemming from the Tobacco Control Act and the General Regulations on Tobacco Control, dictate the labeling standards for tobacco products imported into and sold within the Maldives.
A significant update to the "Design and Requirements for Health Warnings on packaging and labeling of tobacco products" was gazetted on Thursday. This amendment expands the scope of the rule to include heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
As of January 28, these products must bear a health warning prominently displayed on their exterior packaging. The HPA has issued a reminder that failure to comply with these new packaging and labeling requirements will result in enforcement actions under the law.
These changes are part of broader governmental efforts to curb tobacco use, which have also included increased duties on cigarettes, a ban on vaping, and a "generational ban" prohibiting tobacco use for individuals born from 2007 onwards.
Furthermore, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has directed officials to explore offering financial  incentives to inhabitants of islands that achieve complete cessation of smoking.