The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has officially unveiled a comprehensive set of food‑packaging and labeling rules that replace the former national standard and impose steep financial penalties for non‑compliance.
Under the new regulation, importers, exporters and producers who fail to meet the mandated packaging standards face fines ranging from USD 648.78 for a first offence up to USD 64,877.30 for repeated violations that endanger public health.
Key provisions of the new law mandates that all food must be packaged in food‑grade materials specifically intended for food contact. The use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles that are designed for single‑use disposal is strictly prohibited for sealing food products.
The MFDA is empowered to withhold or revoke the registration of any food importer, exporter or labeler whose negligence poses a risk to public health. Under the new regulation, It is illegal to import, manufacture, label or seal food that is originally mislabelled, whether conducted personally or through a third party.
Offenders are subject to progressive fines:
First offence – USD 648.78 and a seven‑day licence suspension.
Second offence – USD 6,487.73 and a 15‑day suspension.
Third offence – USD 48,637.09 and possible licence revocation.
If mislabeling causes genuine harm or endangers a person’s life, the authority may impose an additional fine of up to USD 64,877.30.
Separate penalties apply for improper labeling:
First offence – USD 648.78
Second – USD 6,487.73
Third – USD 32,438.66
Fourth – USD 48,637.09
Fifth – USD 64,877.30 and permanent revocation of the business licence.
Violations of packaging requirements trigger escalating fines:
First – USD 324.39
Second – USD 1,621.93
Third – USD 3,243.86
Fourth – USD 4,865.79
Fifth – USD 6,487.73
The regulation entered into force immediately upon publication, repealing the previous national labeling standard for packaged foods. However, the MFDA has granted a six‑month transition period, allowing businesses to bring existing labels and packaging into compliance with the new requirements.
The MFDA has warned that continued non‑compliance will result in the maximum penalties outlined above, underscoring the Maldives’ commitment to higher food safety standards.