Prohibited

1. Narcotics and psychotropic substances
2. Pornographic materials (including sex toys), such as books, magazines, films, and videos
3. Religious materials offensive to Islam
4. Live pigs
5. Idols intended for worship

Restricted

1. Liquor and Alcoholic Products
   1. (As per Law No. 4/1975, bringing alcohol into the Maldives without prior approval is prohibited. Do not purchase liquor in-flight or at duty-free when travelling to the Maldives. It will be confiscated at the airport. Alcohol is available at licensed resorts and hotels only.)

(Prior permit required from Ministry of Economic Development.)

2. Pork and its by-products – Prior permit required from Ministry of Economic Development.
3. Chemical and Chemical Products
   1. All Chemicals
   2. Acid
   3. Poisons
   4. Toxic substances

(Prior permit required from Ministry of Defense and National Security)

4. Pets – A health certificate from an authorized veterinarian confirming the animal is disease-free is required.
5. Firearms/Explosives/Weapons and Ammunition
   1. Pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, pellet guns, etc.
   2. Replica and imitation firearms, Components of firearms, Harpoon and spear guns, Stun or shock producing devices.
   3. Explosives and explosive devices, Replica or imitation explosive material or devices, Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics.

(Prior permit required from: Ministry of Defense and National Security)

6. 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.
7. Medicine
   1. For personal use, a valid prescription is required.
   2. For commercial use, a prior permit is required from the Maldives Food and Drug Authority.
8. Tobacco and Tobacco Products – All tobacco products must carry a health warning label as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.
9. Communication Equipment – Talkie-sets, receivers, and other telecom equipment with radio frequency transmission over 100 milliwatts require inspection and approval by the Communication Authority of Maldives.

Dangerous Cargo:

• All types of DG cargo can be discharged at Malé Port.
• DG units under Class 1 and 4 are not allowed to remain in the port and must be directly delivered using the consignee’s own barge.

Weight Regulations

• In Malé, discharging/loading operations are handled by ship cranes, and the maximum container weight depends on the vessel’s crane capacity.
• Malé terminal yard can handle containers up to the following maximum weights (including tare) using reach stackers and barge handlers.

20GP 30.46MT

20RF 32.00MT

20FR 32.50MT

20OT 30.48MT

20HC 30.48MT

40HC 32.50MT

40HR 34.00MT

40GP 30.48MT

40FR 45.00MT

40OT 30.48MT

45HC 32.50MT

Shipper / Consignee / Notify Party Requirements

Imports

• All cargo to the Maldives must have a local consignee with:
  • Business Registration Number (for companies) or National ID (for personal shipments)
  • Notify party details

Mandatory fields on BL:

• Name of destination island (e.g., Malé, Baarah, Finey)
• Name of company
• Name of contact person with email and phone number
• Business registration number or ID #

Exports

• A local shipper must appear on the BL.
• Acceptable to list: “Local Shipper for account of [Foreign Company]”.

FCL, LCL, Part Load & Reefer Cargo:

• Must include relevant clauses in description column
• Exact carrying temperature must be stated on BL
• Reefer cargo must be declared 62 hours prior to vessel arrival

FOB Perishable Goods, Used Vehicles, Used Spare Parts:

• Require prior approval from agent

Free amendments up to 36 hours prior to vessel arrival & document submission.

After this deadline:

• USD 120 per BL per revision
• For Consignee / Notify Party changes, the following are required:
  1. Shipper’s No Objection Letter
  2. Old Consignee/Notify No Objection Letter
  3. New Consignee/Notify Acceptance Letter

Customs/Port Fines:

• Manifest/BL Amendment Fine: Minimum USD 120 per BL (may vary based on customs decision)
• Late Manifest Submission (less than 24 hours before arrival): USD 310 per BL
• BL/Manifest Cancellation: USD 120 per BL
• Overlanded Cargo (discharged at unplanned port): USD 310 per BL

Short Shipped Cargo:

• Must be declared 24 hours before vessel arrival
• Requires Memo BL

Part Load & Split BLs

• Part Load BLs:
  • Allowed if FCL/LCL term is clearly mentioned
  • Release at destination requires at least 1/3 OBL per consignee
  • Measurements are mandatory
• Split BLs:

• • Not accepted after Manifest submission