The Maldives has officially begun enforcing a nationwide smoking ban for anyone born after January 1, 2007, making it the first country in the world to fully implement a generational prohibition on tobacco, according to the Health Ministry.

The new regulation, which came into effect on November 1, was introduced under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration earlier this year and is aimed at “protecting public health and promoting a tobacco-free generation.”

“Under the new provision, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives,” the ministry said in an official statement. “The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”

The rule applies not only to citizens but also to visitors to the island nation, which is made up of more than 1,190 coral islets spread across the Indian Ocean and famed for its luxury tourism.

Authorities emphasized that the measure forms part of a broader strategy to curb tobacco use and discourage youth smoking, adding that enforcement would be strict.

The Health Ministry also reiterated that the Maldives maintains a comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products, including their import, sale, distribution, possession, and use, regardless of age.

Those caught selling tobacco products to individuals under the legal age face fines of 50,000 rufiyaa (approximately $3,200), while anyone using vape devices will be fined 5,000 rufiyaa (about $320).

A ministry spokesperson noted, “This generational policy ensures that future generations are free from the harms of tobacco addiction and the burden of tobacco-related diseases.”

While Britain is still in the process of debating a similar measure, the Maldives now stands alone in enforcing it. New Zealand, the first country to introduce a generational smoking ban, repealed the law in November 2023, less than a year after it was passed.