Maldives generational tobacco and vaping ban
The island nation of Maldives has introduced a landmark generational ban on tobacco and vaping, applying to individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
Under the new law, those born in 2007 or later are prohibited from purchasing tobacco products, being sold tobacco products, or using them in the country. Additionally, the legislation extends to visitors as well as locals, meaning non-citizens born after that date are also covered by the ban.
The law took effect on November 1, 2025, following parliamentary approval in May of that year. Alongside the generational smoking ban, the Maldives has enforced a full ban on the import, sale, possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, applicable across all ages.
Retailers who sell tobacco products to someone born in 2007 or later face steep fines, and enforcement agencies are empowered to confiscate vaping devices even if no use is observed.
