In a landmark move aimed at safeguarding public health, the Maldivian Parliament has passed an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act that will introduce a generational ban on tobacco, making it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 to purchase, use, or be sold tobacco products.
The amendment, proposed by MP Ali Ashraf of the ruling party, received overwhelming support during Tuesday’s sitting, with 63 out of 65 lawmakers voting in favour. The bill had earlier been reviewed by a seven-member temporary committee, which recommended only minor revisions before it was brought to the floor.
If ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the amendment will come into force on November 1, 2025. The policy, developed in consultation with the Cabinet, positions the Maldives among the few countries in the world to adopt a generational tobacco ban—a move public health experts have hailed as bold and forward-thinking.
The law targets a key demographic: Maldivians born from January 1, 2007 onwards, representing nearly 30 percent of the current population. President Muizzu has previously emphasized the significance of protecting this age group from the dangers of tobacco addiction, framing the move as a long-term investment in national well-being.
Under the new legislation, vendors will be required to verify the age of buyers using official identification before selling tobacco products. Violations by retailers will carry penalties, although specifics on enforcement measures are expected to follow through regulatory guidelines.
In addition to banning sales and usage for the specified age group, the amendment also prohibits the import and use of rolling tobacco machines and related paraphernalia. It further grants the Maldives Police Service the authority to confiscate vape products and electronic cigarettes—part of a broader crackdown on tobacco alternatives.
The government has already taken a series of steps to curb tobacco use across the country, including increasing import duties on cigarettes and implementing a nationwide ban on vaping products.
The generational ban represents the most ambitious step yet in the Maldives’ campaign against tobacco, with the potential to eradicate smoking among future generations and substantially reduce the long-term public health burden.
