Born After 2007? The Maldives Will NOT Allow You To Smoke; All About The 1st Generational Smoking Ban!

In a bid to protect the younger generations from the dangers of tobacco, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to impose a generational smoking ban. Under the new law, anyone born after January 1, 2007, is prohibited from buying, using, or selling tobacco in any form. Here’s all you need to know about it.

The Maldives Bans Smoking For Those Born After 2007

According to The Indian Express, the Maldives has become the first nation to impose a generational prohibition on tobacco, implementing a smoking ban for those born after January 2007. Calling it a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation,” the Maldivian health ministry imposed the ban on November 1, 2025.

Earlier this year, President Mohamed Muizzu announced this ban, and it has now been enacted through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act. As per the Maldivian health ministry announcement, this ban is applicable “to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”

This ban is applicable not just to the locals but also visitors to the nation. Furthermore, the Maldives has enforced a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products, covering their import, sale, distribution, possession, and use for all individuals, regardless of age, The Indian Express reported.

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All You Need To Know About This

According to NDTV, under this new smoking ban law, the Maldives has also introduced penalties for those selling tobacco products to underage individuals. If found selling tobacco products, they will have to bear a penalty of 50,000 rufiyaa (₹2,87,653). If an individual is found using vape devices, they will have to pay a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa (₹28,765).

Over the years, several countries have attempted to introduce generational smoking bans, but none have fully succeeded. In 2022, New Zealand passed legislation to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009, with the ban set to begin in 2024, but it was rolled back a year later. The UK also proposed a similar measure, though it is still under legislative review.

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Given the risks of tobacco, particularly for younger generations, hats off to the Maldives for this bold move. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Asad Photo Maldives & Canva Pro/Africa images