By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Maldives vape-related fines have surpassed MVR 659 million since the import and use ban took effect.
- A reported 169 individuals have been fined, and enforcement has accelerated sharply since August.
- Most seized vapes were carried by travelers arriving from Malaysia, according to customs data.
Maldives has imposed more than MVR 659 million (US$42.8 million) in fines for illegal electronic cigarettes since the country’s ban on the import and use of vapes took effect, according to customs data reported by Mihaaru News.
Information released under the Right to Information Act shows that, as of Oct. 31, 2025, Maldivian authorities fined 169 individuals for vape-related offenses, with penalties totaling MVR 551.01 million (US$35.8 million). Customs officials said the total increased sharply after the seizure of an additional illegal shipment, raising cumulative fines by roughly MVR 100 million (US$6.5 million).
Maldives Customs statistics show that travelers arriving from Malaysia accounted for the largest share of seized vape products. One shipment intercepted on Dec. 10 contained 10,800 e-cigarettes, valued at an estimated MVR 2.7 million (US$175,500). That seizure led to a fine of MVR 108 million (US$7.02 million).
The second-largest enforcement case involved 7,210 vapes, and authorities imposed a penalty of MVR 72.1 million (US$4.69 million), according to customs data.
Overall enforcement activity has accelerated in recent months. Vape-related fines totaled MVR 400.46 million (US$26.03 million) through August 2025, then rose by an additional MVR 258.55 million (US$16.8 million) over the next four months.
The Maldives implemented a comprehensive ban on the import and use of e-cigarettes as part of broader public health measures. Since the ban took effect, customs authorities have significantly increased inspections at ports of entry, focusing on passenger luggage and cargo shipments.
