Maldives Customs Import and Export Policy
Summary:This article provides a summary of the Maldives' import and export policy, detailing strict licensing requirements for imported goods, a list of prohibited and restricted items, and goods that require special permits or certificates.
Trade Management Regulations
The Maldives imposes strict licensing requirements on the importation of goods.
Prohibited Goods
Items that violate Islamic principles.
Idols.
Pornographic materials.
Live pigs.
Narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Restricted Goods
Weapons and ammunition.
Alcoholic beverages.
Pork or pork products.
Chemical products.
Pets.
Fireworks and explosives.
Pharmaceuticals.
Tobacco products. These items are strictly regulated and require prior approval from the relevant authorities for importation by entities with specific needs.
Goods Requiring Permits or Certificates
Live animals and plants.
Pharmaceuticals.
Audiovisual products.
Wireless communication equipment.
Prohibited Exports
Turtle shells and turtle shell products.
Baitfish.
Black coral and its products.
Eels, pufferfish, dolphins, rainbowfish, parrotfish, manta rays, big-eye trevally under 15 centimeters, whales, lobsters, all corals, triton shells, horseshoe crabs, and pearl oysters.
Import and Export Inspection and Quarantine
The Maldivian government imposes strict inspection and quarantine measures on imported goods, particularly for animals, which require health certificates and import permits. All ports in the Maldives have enhanced surveillance of incoming passengers and conduct continuous inspections of imported food and animals. Aircraft and ships arriving from areas with yellow fever or malaria outbreaks are subject to mandatory disinfection.