President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a significant amendment to the Maldives Export-Import Act, officially reducing the import duty on cigarettes to MVR 4 per unit. The revised legislation was passed by the People’s Majlis yesterday and has since been published in the Government Gazette, making the changes effective immediately.

This legislative shift follows a substantial tax hike in November 2024, which saw duties climb from MVR 3.30 to MVR 8.00 per cigarette. Under the newly ratified law, the MVR 4 duty rate will also apply to bidis and heated tobacco products (consumables used without combustion).

In a move aimed at promoting public health, the government has also eliminated import duties on nicotine replacement therapies. This include products specifically designed to assist in smoking cessation, such as nicotine gum and patches, which are now duty-free.