Maldives Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in maldives, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Standards for Trade
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Overview

The Maldives follows international best practices for setting technical regulations, with a focus on consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and trade facilitation. The country’s standards framework aligns with regional and global trade agreements to promote smooth and efficient trade operations. However, there is no uniform method for the development and adoption of standards across the Maldives’ standards-setting bodies.  

Standards

The Maldives primarily adopts international standards, such as those from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), even though the Maldives is not an ISO member, and the Codex Alimentarius for Food Safety. Several ministries are involved in standards development, including the Maldives Standards and Metrology Institute (MSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). Compliance with these standards is mandatory for certain product categories, particularly those affecting public health and environmental protection.

Key areas covered under Maldivian trade standards include:

•    Food Safety: The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) enforces food quality and safety regulations.
•    Construction Materials: Building materials must meet approved safety and durability standards.
•    Electrical and Electronic Goods: All electrical products must comply with safety certifications.
•    Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The MFDA oversees quality assurance.

Publication of Technical Regulations

The Maldives publishes technical regulations and standards through government websites and official gazettes. Technical regulations published in the Government Gazette are only available in Dhivehi. The Maldives has not notified any draft or final technical regulations to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade. Key agencies responsible for publishing and enforcing technical regulations include:

•    Maldives Standards and Metrology Institute (MSMI): Develops and implements national standards.
•    Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA): Regulates food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
•    Ministry of Economic Development and Trade: Issues trade regulations and oversees implementation.
•    Communication Authority of Maldives: Regulates telecommunication equipment and electronic devices.
•    Fair Trade Department: Designated as the enquiry point to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade.

Contact Information
•    Maldives Standards and Metrology Institute (MSMI)
Email: info@msmi.gov.mv
Website: www.msmi.gov.mv
•    Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA)
Email: info@mfda.gov.mv
Website: www.mfda.gov.mv
•    Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Email: trade@trade.gov.mv
Website: www.trade.gov.mv
•    Fair Trade Department
Email: consumer@trade.gov.mv
Website: www.trade.gov.mv

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