The Maldives moves to eliminate vaping over youth addiction and regulatory concerns
The Maldives has announced a nationwide ban on vaping in a decisive move to address growing health and social concerns surrounding e-cigarettes. This policy marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to tobacco harm reduction, as it targets a product often viewed as an alternative to traditional smoking.
The decision comes amid rising concerns about vaping’s appeal to younger demographics and its potential long-term health effects.
The Maldivian Ministry of Health cited mounting evidence of nicotine addiction among the nation’s youth as a key motivator behind the ban.
Officials also highlighted the lack of regulation and oversight within the local vaping market, pointing to easy access to unlicensed products.
While e-cigarettes have been championed in many regions as a less harmful alternative for adult smokers, the Maldivian government has opted for a stricter stance.
The ban aligns with broader global discussions on vaping regulation, as countries continue to grapple with balancing harm reduction strategies against protecting younger populations from nicotine dependency.
For businesses, the ban will have immediate implications…vaping products will no longer be legally available for sale or import, leading to the closure of shops specialising in e-cigarettes and related accessories.
Local retailers and distributors now face a significant challenge in navigating the economic fallout, with many already voicing concerns about lost revenue and livelihoods.
Public reaction to the ban has been mixed, with health advocates and concerned parents have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step to protect the nation’s youth.
However, adult vapers and harm reduction advocates have criticised the decision, arguing that it deprives smokers of a less harmful alternative and could push users towards unregulated black-market products.
As the ban comes into force from December 15, it remains to be seen how the Maldives will enforce this sweeping measure and whether it will prompt similar policies in neighbouring regions.
For now, the nation’s hard-line approach signals a firm commitment to prioritising public health over harm reduction debates, though questions linger about its long-term efficacy.
The Maldives joins a growing list of countries taking bold steps against vaping, further intensifying the global conversation about the role of e-cigarettes in society.