Maldives has become first country in the world to implement a generational ban on smoking prohibiting anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 from purchasing, using, or selling tobacco in any form.
The law comes through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu.
Key Provisions of Generational Smoking Ban
Who Is Covered?
- Anyone born ≥ 1 January 2007.
- They are permanently banned from:
- Purchasing tobacco
- Using tobacco
- Selling tobacco
Comprehensive E-Cigarette Ban
- Maldives already has a nationwide ban on:
- Import
- Sale
- Distribution
- Possession
- Use of e-cigarettes and vaping products for all age groups.
Why This Is a Landmark Step
- First-ever fully implemented generational tobacco ban globally.
- Aligns with obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
- Targets youth initiation the most vulnerable segment to start smoking.
Why This Matters- Health Rationale
Global Impact
- Tobacco kills >7 million people annually (WHO).
Maldives’ Situation
- 25.5% of Maldivians aged 15–69 are tobacco users.
- 41.7% men
- 9.3% women
- Teen tobacco use (13–15 yrs) was almost double adult usage (CNN assessment, 2021).
The ban is intended to:
- Reduce future addiction
- Cut healthcare burden
- Safeguard younger generations
Is Maldives the First? Global Comparison
Yes – First to implement
But not the first to enact such legislation.
Examples of Unimplemented Laws
| Country | Ban Proposal | Status |
| New Zealand | Born after 1 Jan 2009 | Repealed in 2023 before implementation |
| United Kingdom | Ban for those born after 1 Jan 2009 | Bill under review, not passed |
So Maldives becomes the world’s first country to fully enforce a generational smoking ban.
About Maldives
Country Profile
- Capital: Malé
- Official Language: Dhivehi
- Other widely used languages: Arabic, Hindi, English
- Religion: Islam is the state religion
- Government: Presidential republic
- 2008 Constitution
- President elected for two five-year terms (max)
Climate
- Tropical, hot & humid
- Influence of:
- Northeast Monsoon (Nov–Mar, dry)
- Southwest Monsoon (Jun–Aug, rainy)
Geography
- ~1,200 coral islands in 26 atolls
- Average elevation < 2 meters– one of the most climate-vulnerable nations
- 7th largest coral reef system (3.14% of global reef area)
- No rivers or streams
- Barrier reefs protect islands from erosion and storm surges
Strategic Significance
- Located in the north-central Indian Ocean
- Lies south-southwest of India
- Separated from Lakshadweep by the Eight Degree Channel
- Vital route for India’s merchant & naval movement
- Important for Indo-Pacific maritime security
Economy
- Tourism = backbone
- Fisheries, shipping, and foreign aid also significant
- Highly dependent on imports
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
About FCTC
- World’s first global public health treaty
- Adopted 2003, entered into force 2005
- 180+ Parties, including India
Key Objectives
- Protect present and future generations from tobacco’s health, social, environmental, and economic harms.
Key Provisions
- Ban on advertising, promotion, sponsorship
- Pictorial warnings covering 30–50% of packaging
- Higher taxation to reduce consumption
- Restrictions on public smoking
- Curb illicit trade
- Protection from tobacco industry interference