President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified Maldives Customs Bill passed by the People’s Majlis on 25 April. Following the ratification, Maldives Customs Act has been published in the Government Gazette.
Maldives Customs Act establishes an institution known as the Maldives Customs Service, a civil body with uniformed officers that is independent from the Maldivian Civil Service.
The Act defines the jurisdiction, objectives, powers, responsibilities, principles and procedures of the Maldives Customs Service.
Maldives Customs Service will function under the direct supervision of a government Minister. The Commissioner General of Customs, appointed by the President, will manage the day-to-day administration and delivery of the services, and discharging of duties and responsibilities of the Maldives Customs Service.
A Customs Integrity Commission, appointed by the President with the approval of the People’s Majlis, will be established to ensure the legal rights of customs officers in the discharge of their duties, as well as to impartially investigate violations of laws and regulations by customs officers, and take appropriate legal action.