Maldives Implements Historic Generational Smoking Ban for Anyone Born After 2007

The Maldives has implemented a groundbreaking generational smoking ban targeting all individuals born after January 1, 2007. This landmark legislation, which took effect on November 1, establishes the Maldives as the only country worldwide with such a generational prohibition on tobacco products.

President Mohamed Muizzu initiated this bold public health measure earlier this year with the explicit aim to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation," according to the Health Ministry.

The comprehensive ban stipulates that "individuals born on or after January 1, 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives." This prohibition applies to all tobacco forms, with retailers required to verify customers' age before completing any sale.

Notably, this restriction extends to tourists visiting the archipelago nation, which comprises 1,191 tiny coral islets spread across approximately 800 kilometres along the equator and is renowned for its luxury tourism industry.

The Health Ministry has further emphasized that the Maldives maintains a complete ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products, covering their import, sale, distribution, possession, and use. This prohibition applies universally regardless of age.

Significant penalties have been established for violations. Selling tobacco products to underage individuals carries a substantial fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (approximately $3,200), while using vaping devices results in a penalty of 5,000 rufiyaa (about $320).

While the United Kingdom has proposed similar generational tobacco restrictions, these measures remain in the legislative process. New Zealand had previously pioneered such legislation but repealed its generational smoking ban in November 2023, less than a year after implementation.