The Maldives became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in most workplaces and public places. The law permits smoking in designated smoking areas in non-air-conditioned teashops, restaurants, cafés and other food and beverage outlets. The law prohibits smoking in public transport vehicles or vessels and public transport facilities.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits most forms of advertising and promotion of tobacco products. However, the law permits product display so long as it cannot be seen from outside the point of sale and some forms of brand stretching and reverse brand stretching. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The law requires a pictorial health warning covering 90 percent of the front and back or largest two sides of the pack. The law notes that where more than one warning for that product is required, the warning should be rotated once every 12 months. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “mild” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in the Maldives are well below these recommendations.