Maldives Makes Historic Move: Smoking Ban for Future Generations

Tue Nov 04 2025 00:15:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Maldives has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from using tobacco, solidifying its position as the first country to implement a generational tobacco ban.

The Maldives has officially banned tobacco use among individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, marking a significant advance in public health policy and becoming the first country to introduce such a law. This ban, announced by the health ministry, aims to protect future generations from the health risks of tobacco. It requires retailers to verify the age of customers before selling tobacco products. The move aligns with the Maldives' commitments to the World Health Organization's tobacco control framework.

Maldives Makes Historic Move: Smoking Ban for Future Generations

The Maldives has banned young people born on or after 1 January 2007 from smoking tobacco, becoming the only country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition.

The archipelago's health ministry announced on Saturday that it would be illegal for younger generations to use, buy or sell tobacco within the country.

The ban reflects the government's strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco, the ministry said.

Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago's tobacco control board, told BBC World Service's Newshour programme that the country's general vaping ban last year had been a good step towards a generation of tobacco-free citizens.

The new ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale, the health ministry said, adding that it aligned with the Maldives' obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

According to the UN's health body, this convention provides a global response to a global problem – namely, the tobacco epidemic.

Mr. Afaal stated that the crackdown on vaping had been important as these new stylish gadgets are tactics of the industry to approach the younger generations to uptake addictive processes, which definitely harms their health.

Last year, the Maldives made it illegal for anyone to import, sell, possess, use or distribute electronic cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.

Tourists visiting the Maldives will also have to adhere to the law, though Mr. Afaal argues the smoking ban will not negatively impact tourism. People don't come to the Maldives because they're able to smoke. They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air, he said.

Despite the new regulations, tourism data indicates there has been no significant cancellations, with expectations of over 2 million visitors in the next year.

Internationally, New Zealand's plans for a generational smoking ban were scrapped in 2023, following a change in government, while the UK is considering similar legislation with recent developments in Parliament.