Maldivians granted same concessions as tourists for cigarettes brought in for personal use

The regulations governing duty exemptions for tobacco products brought in for personal use have been amended, extending concessions previously available exclusively to tourists to Maldivian citizens as well.

Published in the Government Gazette on Monday, the amendment revises the ‘Procedure for Duty Exemption on Passenger Belongings, Personal Items, and Commercial Samples.’

Specifically, the amendment concerns the section outlining items brought into the country by international travelers that are exempt from Goods Declaration requirements. Previously, the provision allowed foreign tourists aged 18 and above to bring in 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco for personal use without declaration or payment of duty.

Under the amended regulation, the exemption now applies to all travelers aged 21 and above. The revised duty-free allowances for personal use are 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco. As a result, the clause limiting the concession exclusively to tourists has been repealed.

The amendment also introduces a new provision specifying items that may be brought in alongside rolling tobacco by travelers aged 21 and above. These include:

• Small, portable manual cigarette or beedi rolling machines
• Up to 50 individual sheets of rolling paper
• Up to 50 cigarette or beedi filters.
• Up to 50 empty tubes or pipes used for rolling cigarettes or beedis

The regulation maintains that shisha and flavored tobacco products are not eligible for duty exemptions and must be declared.

The current administration has introduced stringent measures to curb tobacco use, including a ban on vaping products in 2024. In addition, legislation has been enacted prohibiting the use, purchase, or sale of tobacco by individuals born in or after 2007.

Although the government initially increased tobacco duties in November 2024, the decision was subsequently reversed, resulting in a reduction in duties last July. The government said the adjustment was made based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).