The Maldives Customs Service has announced that it will cease providing concessions on the import of tobacco products, vapes and energy drinks.
Deputy Chief Superintendent of Maldives Customs Service, Ahmed Niyaz said customs decided to bring about two changes under the broader reforms to its general rules. In this regard, the subsidy on imports of tobacco products, vapes and energy drinks will be abolished effective from August 1, he said.
Niyaz noted that Maldives is a signatory to various health conventions and the conventions do not encourage exemptions for tobacco products.
The changes also include the removal of exemptions for plastic bags, single-use plastics, and vehicle imports. Additionally, the duty exemptions for goods imported for personal purposes has been increased to MVR 10,000, effective from July 1.
Niyaz emphasized that the new allowance applies only to personal imports. If customs determines that an import declared as personal is for commercial purpose based on the quantity of items and pricing, the exemptions will not apply.
