News Desk
MALE’ — Travellers coming into the country can now bring small amounts of tobacco for personal use without filling out a goods declaration form, under new duty-exemption rules announced by Maldives Customs Service.
The changes, which are now in effect, apply strictly to incoming passengers aged 21 and older.
Under the updated policy for personal items and commercial samples, travellers can bring in up to 200 cigarettes (including heated tobacco units), 20 cheroots, or up to 100 grams of unprocessed dry tobacco leaves without submitting a declaration.
Customs noted that for all tobacco products other than cigarettes and cheroots, exemptions will be calculated strictly by weight, with a maximum allowance of 100 grams per person.
Passengers who roll their own cigarettes or bidis can also bring in basic accessories tax-free. This includes small manual rolling tools designed for single cigarettes, along with up to 50 rolling papers, 50 filters, and 50 empty tubes or pipes. However, specific exceptions apply to certain types of tubes with or without filters.
Despite these exemptions, standard national tobacco control laws still apply. Customs made clear that no tobacco products will be released to anyone born on or after 1 January 2007.
The duty allowance also excludes electronic cigarettes (vapes), shisha, flavoured cigarettes, e-liquids, and other nicotine products or related devices. These items remain strictly prohibited from duty-free entry.
