The Maldives government activated the world’s first generational smoking ban on Saturday, prohibiting individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 from buying, using, or possessing tobacco products. President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the policy in May after parliamentary approval. The measure targets residents and tourists alike to curb tobacco-related diseases. Enforcement begins immediately with fines up to MVR 50,000 for violations.
This development underscores the urgency of tobacco control in South Asia, where the region reports the highest global prevalence of use at over 29 per cent among adults. The Maldives’ generational tobacco policy sets a precedent for neighbours like India and Pakistan, which face similar youth epidemics. With 26.6 per cent of Maldivian adults smoking in 2022, the ban addresses a public health crisis costing the economy millions annually in healthcare. It aligns with WHO recommendations and could inspire stricter measures across the subcontinent, reducing cross-border smuggling and promoting regional cessation programmes.
Details of the New Generational Smoking Ban in Maldives
The Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010) serves as the foundation of this initiative. Parliament passed it on 13 May 2025, with President Muizzu ratifying it on 21 May. The law took effect at midnight on November 1, 2025, following a six-month preparation period mandated by the Cabinet on April 13.
Key provisions include a total prohibition on the sale, purchase, and use of all tobacco products for those under 18 as of 2025. Retailers must rigorously verify ages, facing penalties of MVR 50,000 (approximately USD 3,200) for sales to prohibited individuals. The ban extends to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, which have already been illegal for all ages since earlier amendments. The import, possession, and use of production machinery also face restrictions, alongside a complete halt to advertising and sponsorships.
Enforcement falls to the Health Protection Agency and the police. Confiscated items are disposed of transparently under new guidelines. The Ministry of Health will expand cessation services nationwide, with the Ministry of Finance allocating funds for clinics and hotlines.
This generational tobacco policy Maldives builds on prior efforts. The First Amendment in 2020 banned shisha and raised taxes. Now, under-21s cannot engage in tobacco sales or commercial activities, closing loopholes.
Maldives Youth Smoking Prohibition Targets Rising Trends
Youth form the core focus of the Maldives’ youth smoking prohibition. Data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019 reveals 46.1 per cent of students aged 13-15 used smokeless tobacco, with 58.5 per cent of smokers attempting to quit. A 2023 health ministry report noted 45.7 per cent of children in that age group engaged in some tobacco use, up from 21.6 per cent ever-smokers in 2004 GYTS.
For ages 10-14, the prevalence reached 9.3 percent in 2022, according to the Tobacco Atlas. Adult rates stand at 26.6 per cent, with men at 40 per cent daily smokers despite policies. These figures exceed South Asian averages, where India reports 10.7 per cent youth smoking and Pakistan 11.1 per cent.
The ban aims to prevent lifelong addiction. President Muizzu consulted the public via a poll on his X account in April, the first such crowdsourcing by a Maldivian leader. Results favoured the 2007 cutoff, reflecting concerns over easy access in resorts and atolls.
Global and Regional Context
The Maldives stands alone with this approach. New Zealand repealed a similar law in 2023 after political shifts, while the UK debates one. Bhutan bans sales outright but lacks a generational element.
In South Asia, the new tobacco ban in Maldives contrasts with patchwork policies. India enforces pictorial warnings and taxes, yet smokeless use affects 21 per cent. Pakistan’s single-cigarette sales persist despite ratification of the FCTC. Bangladesh leads in taxation but struggles with the production and consumption of bidis.
The Maldives’ policy could influence tourism-dependent economies. Visitors from India and Pakistan, the top markets, must comply, potentially boosting health tourism. Economic models project a 10 percent drop in youth initiation rates within five years, according to WHO simulations.
Health experts praise the move. The WHO awarded President Muizzu a special recognition on 29 May for tobacco control progress, noting expanded smoke-free spaces.
Background on Tobacco Control Efforts
Tobacco entered the Maldives via trade routes centuries ago, but its use surged after independence. By 2000, the prevalence had neared 30 percent. The 2010 Act banned public smoking and imports of certain products. E-cigarette prohibitions followed in 2019.
Cabinet discussions in March 2025 outlined the generational approach, with President Muizzu announcing plans on 27 March. Vendors received transition support and were urged to pivot to health products.
Parliamentary debates highlighted enforcement challenges in remote atolls. Opposition was raised regarding the impacts on tourists, but the bill passed unanimously.
Data underscores the need. Tobacco causes 1,200 deaths yearly in a population of 520,000, straining the USD 500 million health budget. Cessation programs reach only 20 percent of users currently.
What’s Next for Implementation
Authorities plan awareness campaigns starting Monday, targeting schools and resorts. Training for 5,000 retailers is scheduled to begin next week. The Health Ministry aims to double the number of cessation clinics by 2026.
International partners, such as the WHO, will monitor compliance. Regional forums, such as the SAARC health meetings, may adopt elements of the Maldives’ generational smoking ban.
Success hinges on sustained funding and public buy-in. Early indicators suggest strong support, with a 24-hour anti-tobacco run in Male on launch day drawing thousands. The Maldives’ generational smoking ban marks a bold step towards a smoke-free future, offering South Asia a blueprint amid entrenched habits.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 1st, 2025
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