Maldives Customs Service has amended its Customs General Regulation, banning storage of tobacco related products in bonded warehouses. The amendment was brought to the regulations, following the ratification of the amendment brought to the Export-Import Act. The amendment seeks to introduce significant changes to the import duties on tobacco and tobacco products as part of its efforts to control tobacco use.
Previously, tobacco related products imported to the Maldives were stored in bonded warehouses. However, the 15th amendment brought to the Customs regulation, bans the registration of bonded warehouses to store tobacco related products, tobacco alternatives, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Additionally, complementary goods of these products as well as tobacco products are banned.
Furthermore, the amendment bans the importation of ship storing tobacco products, which include alcohol and pork. Previously, such items were permitted to be imported as ship stores, in specific transports under the control of Customs.
Additionally, the amendment brought to the regulations stipulates that the Automatic Identification System (AIS), installed in vessels arriving to the Maldives, must be on at all times.
A fine of USD 12,970 will be levied each time on parties engaged in efforts to smuggle good in to the Maldives, excluding the Inward Cargo Manifest or Outward Cargo Manifest. The amendment also imposes a fine of USD6,485 on vessels travelling in different routes compared to those submitted to Customs, while a fine of USD 12,970 will be imposed if the AIS in vessels arriving to the Maldives are off.