A parliamentary committee has approved a bill that would ban the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2007, marking a major step in the government's anti-smoking campaign.

The amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, submitted by ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Ali Ashraq on behalf of the government, was reviewed and passed by a seven-member select committee last month.

The committee concluded its review and finalized the bill on Sunday.

The legislation sets November 1, 2025, as the effective date for the generational smoking ban.

Once enacted, it will become illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after that date.

The bill also places greater responsibility on sellers, requiring them to verify that buyers are of age or older.

If there is any suspicion regarding the buyer's age, the seller must request official identification before proceeding with the sale.

This move is part of a broader initiative by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to reduce tobacco use in the Maldives.

In December last year, the government implemented a blanket ban on the import, sale, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

In April, authorities formally announced plans to introduce a generational smoking ban as part of a long-term public health strategy.