The Health Ministry has extended the license application time frame for tobacco producers and sellers.

Through the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, the MOH has given current tobacco and suki vendors, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors and importers until the end of this month to apply for their licences and registrations.

The extension to the application window is being afforded due to concerns raised during this year’s budget consultations.

The Health Ministry says this is a one-off extension and should not be expected in the future.

The Regulations require all relevant parties, regardless of size, to file their applications with the Permanent Secretary for Health & Medical Services before this extended deadline in order to obtain their licence / registration.

The Ministry warns no exceptions will be made.

The regulatory changes, published in today’s Gazette, have come into immediate effect.