Lawmaker warns of troubling side effect of recent ban: 'Taxpayers are losing money'

In the Maldives, authorities are facing an unexpected consequence of recent anti-smoking policies: the illicit trade of cigarettes and vapes has now surpassed legally imported, taxed products. According to reports, efforts to discourage smoking including higher import duties on cigarettes and a ban on vapes have unintentionally driven smuggling, resulting in significant losses to government revenue.

"The publics tax money is being lost while others profit," warned Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim in parliament. He highlighted that illegal cigarettes and vaping products are bypassing customs and are widely available across the country, frequently sold through social media platforms.

The magnitude of the smuggling problem became clear in April when authorities seized a massive shipment hidden in containers labeled as plywood. Inside, officials discovered 13.6 million cigarettes valued at approximately $7.9 million, marking one of the largest tobacco seizures in recent Maldivian history.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Illegal tobacco products pose risks beyond health concerns. The surge in disposable vapes contributes to a growing e-waste problem, as these devices combine plastic, mixed metals, and lithium-ion batteries, all of which are difficult to recycle. Nicotine residues and the brief lifespan of many vapes exacerbate the waste issue, increasing environmental pollution.

Improperly discarded lithium batteries can leak toxic chemicals, while plastic components add to single-use plastic pollution and microplastic contamination. Cigarette production also strains the environment through deforestation, heavy pesticide use, water consumption, and chemical waste from manufacturing. Additionally, cigarette butts are among the most littered items globally, releasing toxins into soil and waterways and harming wildlife.

Efforts to Combat the Illicit Market

To tackle illegal tobacco distribution, many nations are strengthening tracking and tracing systems under the World Health Organizations Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Governments are also increasing inspections, imposing fines on retailers selling illicit products, and running public campaigns to raise awareness of black-market dangers.

Despite these measures, the illegal trade remains widespread, requiring continued vigilance and stricter regulations. The Maldives has implemented one of the worlds most stringent anti-tobacco policies: a generational ban preventing anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from purchasing or using tobacco, a rule that even applies to tourists.

Conclusion

While reducing smoking and vaping can benefit public health and lessen environmental damage, policymakers must ensure that such measures do not inadvertently strengthen the illicit tobacco market, which undermines both revenue and safety goals.

Author: Sophia Brooks