Overview
- The law, in effect since Nov. 1, permanently bars anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007 from buying, using, or being sold any tobacco product.
- Retailers must verify age or face penalties, with a 50,000 rufiyaa fine for illegal sales and a 5,000 rufiyaa fine for possession or use of vapes.
- A nationwide prohibition on e‑cigarettes and vaping for all ages remains in place, covering import, sale, distribution, possession, and use.
- The rules apply to residents and visitors, meaning tourists born in or after 2007 cannot legally purchase tobacco while in the country.
- Authorities and local media report enforcement concerns, including smuggled cigarettes and online vape sales, even as national leaders publicly back the policy and observers note parallels with New Zealand’s repealed law and UK debates.