President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 19th Amendment to the Export-Import Act of the Maldives. This amendment, approved during the 44th session of the 20th Parliament on Thursday, introduces key changes to import duties on tobacco products and electronic devices.
The amendment revises Section 5(m)(1)(i) to alter import regulations for a range of tobacco products, including prepared tobacco, tobacco alternatives, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and their components. Additionally, Chapter 24, referenced in Section 7(a) of the Act, has also been updated.
The new import duty rates for tobacco and related products are as follows:
- General and prepared tobacco products: 200% duty on all items in this category, except those specifically listed below.
- Cigarettes: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per cigarette.
- Bidi (traditional cigarettes): 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per bidi.
- Flavoured chemicals used in electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per millilitre.
- Heated tobacco products and consumable sticks: 50% duty, plus MVR 8 per stick.
Moreover, Chapter 85(s) in Section 7(a) has been revised concerning electronic machinery, equipment, and parts. This includes electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and tobacco heating products, now subject to a 200% import duty.
The amendment also brings significant changes to Section 8(1) of the Act, mandating that all relevant rules and regulations be established or updated within 30 days of its enactment and published in the Government Gazette.
Effective from 1 November 2024, the 19th Amendment will redefine import regulations for tobacco and electronic smoking devices in the Maldives, ushering in a stricter regulatory environment.
