Maldives Enforces Generational Smoking Ban for Those Born After 2007

The Maldives has introduced a generational smoking ban, prohibiting anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 from buying, using, or being sold tobacco products.

The law, effective 1 November 2025 and initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, aims to create a “tobacco-free generation.”
The ban covers all tobacco forms and applies to both residents and tourists, with retailers required to verify age before sales.

The country also upholds a total ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products for everyone, regardless of age.

Violations carry heavy penalties - 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200) for selling tobacco to underage individuals and 5,000 rufiyaa ($320) for using vape devices.

While New Zealand repealed a similar law in 2023, and the UK is still debating its own version, the Maldives now stands as the only nation enforcing a generational tobacco ban.