Importers

Import prohibited & restricted items

 

Prohibited Items

 

Prohibited goods are goods that are banned completely.

Narcotics and psychotropic substances	Banned
Pornographic material (including sex toys) such as books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software	Banned
Religious materials offensive to Islam	Banned
Live pigs	Banned
Idols (for worship)	Banned

 

 

Restricted Items

Restricted goods are goods that require a specific permit in order to import them.

 

 

Liquor and Alcoholic Products

According to Maldivian Law No: 4/1975 (Import prohibition Act), importation of liquor and alcoholic products without prior approval is prohibited.

Hence, it is advised not to purchase liquor and alcoholic products on the flight or duty free shops while en route to the Maldives as these items will be confiscated upon arrival at the airport. However, liquor, beer and other such alcoholic beverages are available at all tourist resorts/hotels. These have been imported under special license issued prior to their importation.

 

Pork and its by-products

According to Maldivian Law No: 4/1975 (Import prohibition Act), importation of pork and its by-products without prior approval is prohibited.

 

Chemical and Chemical Products

Type	Authoring body
Chemicals	MNDF
Acid	MNDF
Poisons	MNDF
Toxic substances	MNDF

 

Pets

Health certificate from an authorized veterinarian, satisfying that the animal is free from infections or contagious diseases is required. Note: the import of dogs and dangerous animals are strictly prohibited.

 

Firearms/Explosives/Weapons and Ammunition

Pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, pellet guns, etc.

Replica and imitation firearms, Components of firearms, Harpoon and spear guns, Stun or shock producing devices.

Explosives and explosive devices, Replica or imitation explosive material or devices, Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics.

 

Live Plants and Animals

All plants require a valid phytosanitary / sanitary certificate and must be inspected and approved by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.

 

Medicine

A valid medical prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner is required for importation of controlled drugs (for personal use only)

 

Tobacco and Tobacco Products

All tobacco products must carry a health warning label as prescribed by the Ministry of Health. Note: All passengers are eligible for import duty allowance upto a limit of 200 Cigarettes, 25 Cigars and 250g of tobacco.

 

Communication Equipment

Talkie-set, receiver and any other telecommunication equipment with radio frequency transmitting capacity exceeding 100 milliwatts should be inspected and approved by Communication Authority of Maldives.

 

 

 

Items that Need Special Permission

 

Local Permitting Authorities

 

Permits must be obtained from the following local authorities when importing goods mentioned below:

CATEGORY	PERMITTING AUTHORITY
Liquor and Alcoholic Products	Prior permit required from: Ministry of Economic Development
Pork and its by-products	Prior permit required from: Ministry of Economic Development
Chemical and Chemical Products	Prior permit required from: Ministry of Defense and National Security
Pets	Health certificate from an authorized v eterinarian
Firearms/Explosives/Weapons and Ammunition	Prior permit required from: Ministry of Defense and National Security
Live Plants and Animals	Valid phytosanitary/sanitary certificate from Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture
Valid phytosanitary/sanitary certificate	For Personal use: Valid Prescription For commercial use prior permit required from: Maldives Food and Drug Authority
Tobacco and Tobacco Products	All tobacco products must carry a health warning label as prescribed by the Ministry of Health. Note: All passengers are eligible for import duty allowance upto a limit of 200 Cigarettes, 25 Cigars and 250g of tobacco.
Communication Equipment	Telecommunication equipment with radio frequency transmitting capacity exceeding 100 milliwatts should be inspected and approved by Communication Authority of Maldives.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbon	Ministry of Environment and Energy
Live fish and frozen meat	Port Health
Bird Import License	Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture
Pesticide and Fertilizers	Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and Ministry of Defense and National Security
Vehicles	Ministry of Transport