Parliament Approves Reduction of Cigarette Import Duty to USD 0.26

The Maldivian Parliament has unanimously approved a legislative amendment reducing the import duty on cigarettes to USD 0.26 per unit. The move reverses a recent tax hike, aiming to align the nation's fiscal policies with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Introduced by Mohamed Ibrahim, the Parliamentarian for Komandoo, the bill received full endorsement from all 68 attending members. The amendment halves the previous tariff of USD 0.52 and extends this reduction to include hand-rolled cigarettes and non-combustible heated tobacco products. While government officials acknowledge that the tax cut will reduce projected customs revenue within the national budget, the legislation introduces a strategic trade-off to prioritize public health. To support individuals attempting to quit smoking, the law entirely eliminates import duties on smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine patches and gums. This policy shift follows a brief period of higher taxation; in November 2024, the levy on a single cigarette had been increased from USD 0.21 to USD 0.52. The government stated that the current revision is a direct response to updated guidance from the WHO. These fiscal adjustments are part of a wider administrative strategy to curb tobacco consumption across the archipelago. Over the last two years, the Maldives has implemented a generational smoking ban and a strict prohibition on the importation and sale of vaping devices. Furthermore, a national tobacco control campaign launched on June 27 aims to synchronize efforts between civil society and state institutions through expanded cessation services and public awareness initiatives. The law will take effect once ratified by the President. Following ratification, the government is mandated to publish revised procedural guidelines within 30 days.