The Maldives Customs Service (MCS) has announced an increase in the customs duty exemption limit from USD 389 to USD 648. This adjustment, effective from June 1, applies to goods purchased by tourists and small items brought by private individuals.
According to the new regulations published by Customs, the exemption limit has been raised to USD 648, and goods exceeding this value will require the submission of a goods declaration form. Even if the value of the goods does not exceed USD 648, a declaration form might still be necessary depending on the type and quantity of the items.
The updated regulations specify that the tracking numbers on goods shipped via post will be treated as representing a single shipment. Additionally, items arriving in the same postbag under one individual's name will be considered a single shipment for customs purposes.
Under the new rules, customs duties will not be imposed on medical drugs prescribed by doctors for a period of six months. Furthermore, documents without a monetary value, such as postcards and electronic media documents, will also be exempt from customs duty. Leaflets, brochures, and posters are similarly considered duty-free. Additionally, if the value of sample goods exceeds USD 50, they must be clearly marked as "sample goods."
Other significant changes include adjustments to the duty exemptions for personal goods brought by individuals returning from abroad. Those returning after one to six months will receive a duty exemption up to USD 583 based on the Free on Board (FOB) price of their goods. For individuals who have been abroad for one to three years, the exemption limit increases to USD 745 at the FOB price. Additionally, individuals returning after more than three years abroad will benefit from a higher duty exemption of up to USD 907 at the FOB price.
To oversee and monitor the implementation of these regulations, the Commissioner General of Customs will establish a special committee responsible for maintaining updated records and ensuring compliance.