Maldives Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 12, 2025

In order to enter Maldives, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Maldives government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Maldives, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Maldives.

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for goods and services, given its limited domestic production capacity. As a small island nation, the Maldives has developed an import policy that protects its national interests, promotes sustainable growth, and ensures the safety and welfare of its population. The import restrictions and regulations are designed to control the entry of goods that might pose a threat to public health, the environment, and the economic stability of the country.

The Maldives’ import regulations are governed by several authorities, including the Maldives Customs Service (MCS), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These bodies are responsible for overseeing the importation of various goods and ensuring that products entering the country comply with national standards, health regulations, and international agreements.

For businesses and individuals involved in international trade with the Maldives, understanding these restrictions is essential to avoid penalties, delays, and confiscations of goods. Importers must ensure compliance with various regulations concerning prohibited goods, products requiring import licenses, and other entry requirements.

Prohibited Items for Import into the Maldives

Certain goods are banned from entering the Maldives, either because they pose a threat to public health, the environment, national security, or due to the country’s obligations under international treaties. These goods cannot be imported under any circumstances, and their entry into the country is strictly prohibited.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

The Maldives has stringent regulations in place to safeguard public health. Certain products are prohibited from entering the country because they could harm the population. These goods include drugs, harmful chemicals, and counterfeit medicines.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: The Maldives enforces strict anti-drug laws, which prohibit the import of illicit drugs, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. The Maldives Customs Service, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, actively monitors ports and airports to prevent the illegal entry of drugs into the country. Under the Narcotics Act, any attempt to import controlled substances, including narcotic drugs like heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs, is considered a serious offense with severe penalties. The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs and works with international agencies to control trafficking in the region.
Counterfeit Medicines and Medical Products: The importation of counterfeit, substandard, or unauthorized medical products is also prohibited in the Maldives. These include fake or unapproved pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related products that do not meet the country’s safety standards. The Ministry of Health monitors the entry of medicines and ensures that only licensed, effective, and safe medical products are available for use. Any import of medical items that do not comply with the required safety standards is confiscated, and the importer may face legal penalties.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

The Maldives is known for its pristine natural environment, including its unique coral reefs, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems. Due to environmental concerns, certain goods that could harm the environment or contribute to pollution are prohibited from entering the country.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: The importation of hazardous waste, including medical waste, industrial waste, and electronic waste (e-waste), is banned in the Maldives. These products, if not disposed of properly, can cause serious harm to the environment, particularly to the marine ecosystems that are vital to the country’s economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a critical role in regulating the import of waste materials and ensures that they are not brought into the country in violation of the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes. E-waste, which includes discarded electronics such as old computers, phones, and batteries, is especially concerning because it contains toxic substances like mercury and lead, which can contaminate water sources and soil if not properly managed.
Products from Endangered Species: The Maldives follows international conventions such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which prohibits the import of goods derived from endangered species. This includes ivory, skins from exotic animals, coral reefs, and products made from rare plants. The importation of these items is illegal under both national law and international treaties designed to protect biodiversity. The Maldives also prohibits the trade of marine life products that threaten endangered species, such as specific types of fish and sea turtles.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While some goods are completely prohibited, other products can be imported into the Maldives only with the appropriate licenses. These products are not banned outright, but they are subject to strict controls, which ensure that they meet health, safety, and environmental standards. In many cases, importers must apply for specific permits and licenses before goods can be cleared by customs.

Goods Subject to Import Licenses

Certain products, particularly those that could impact public health, safety, the economy, or the environment, require an import license in the Maldives. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency oversee the licensing process for various categories of goods.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment: The importation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related products requires a license from the Ministry of Health. Before such products can enter the country, the Ministry evaluates their safety and effectiveness in line with the country’s healthcare standards. Importers of medicines must submit documentation demonstrating that the products have been approved by internationally recognized regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical devices and equipment are also subject to approval to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. This process is designed to protect the health of the population and ensure that all medical products meet stringent regulatory standards.
Agricultural Products and Pesticides: The importation of agricultural products, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, is regulated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The Ministry ensures that these products do not introduce harmful pests, diseases, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that could threaten local agriculture. Importers must obtain a license to bring these goods into the country, and they may be required to submit documentation proving that the products comply with national health and safety regulations. The importation of genetically modified organisms is closely controlled, and special permits may be required for these products.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

The Maldives’ commitment to environmental sustainability means that several products with potential environmental impacts require an import license. These goods are monitored to ensure that they do not pose a threat to the country’s delicate ecosystems or contribute to pollution.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: The importation of chemicals and hazardous substances requires a license from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These substances may include industrial chemicals, pesticides, and other products that could pose a risk to the environment. The EPA ensures that chemicals brought into the country are properly regulated and that their use does not lead to harmful consequences. Additionally, importers of chemicals must provide documentation outlining the proper handling, storage, and disposal methods to minimize any risks to the environment.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: The Maldives is increasingly concerned with plastic pollution, particularly in its coastal areas. As a result, the importation of plastic products and non-biodegradable packaging materials is subject to regulation. The country has introduced a policy to reduce single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly alternatives. Importers of plastic goods must ensure compliance with the country’s waste management policies and may be required to provide documentation on the recyclability or biodegradability of their products. Packaging materials that do not meet environmental standards may be prohibited or require additional licensing before they are allowed entry.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to health-related and environmentally sensitive products, certain consumer goods, including electronics and vehicles, require import licenses. These goods are closely regulated to ensure they comply with national standards for safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The importation of motor vehicles, especially used cars, requires a license from the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The Maldives has strict regulations regarding vehicle emissions, safety standards, and roadworthiness. Importers of motor vehicles must ensure that the cars they bring into the country meet local environmental and safety standards. Used vehicles, in particular, are scrutinized to ensure that they do not pose a safety risk or contribute to air pollution. Similarly, spare parts for vehicles must meet national standards, and importers may be required to submit documentation proving their compliance.
Electronics and Household Appliances: Importers of electronics, including televisions, refrigerators, air conditioning units, and other household appliances, are required to obtain an import license. These goods must meet the Maldives’ energy efficiency and safety standards to prevent electrical hazards and reduce the country’s overall energy consumption. The Maldives Standards Bureau ensures that imported electrical appliances meet the required safety protocols, and they often require certification or proof of compliance from the manufacturer or international testing bodies. These standards are designed to ensure the safety and reliability of electronic products in the Maldivian market.