Male: The Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to introduce a generational smoking ban, permanently prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from buying or using tobacco products. The new law, which came into effect on November 1, 2025, aims to create a “tobacco-free generation” and reduce the growing burden of smoking-related diseases in the island nation.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act earlier this year, marking a major step in the country’s public health policy.

Under the revised law, tobacco products cannot be sold, distributed, or imported for individuals in the affected age group, meaning that those born after the cutoff date will never be legally allowed to smoke in their lifetime.

The legislation also includes broader tobacco control measures, such as raising the legal purchasing age from 18 to 21, banning e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and tightening restrictions on tobacco advertising and sponsorship.

Authorities have also introduced new licensing systems for tobacco importers and sellers, along with higher taxes to discourage use.

Health experts in the Maldives have welcomed the move, calling it a bold step toward safeguarding future generations from addiction and disease. According to the Ministry of Health, tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and heart disease in the country.

Despite widespread praise, concerns remain over how effectively the law can be enforced across the Maldives’ many islands. Some analysts warn that without strong enforcement and awareness programs, the ban could lead to an increase in black-market sales and smuggling. Others argue that banning e-cigarettes eliminates potential harm-reduction options for adult smokers trying to quit.

The government, however, has expressed confidence in its plan, saying it will be backed by strong public education campaigns and health initiatives. The Ministry of Health has also promised to work closely with schools and local councils to monitor compliance and support youth awareness programs.

The generational ban has already sparked international attention, with several countries observing how the policy unfolds. If successful, it could serve as a model for other nations seeking to reduce smoking rates and protect younger populations from tobacco addiction.

For the Maldives, the message is clear: future generations will grow up in a society where tobacco use is not just discouraged but entirely forbidden  a move that could redefine public health standards worldwide.