The Maldives has officially prohibited the operation of bonded warehouses within residential homes.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan addressed recent allegations involving damaged goods at a bonded warehouse, explaining on X (formerly Twitter) that the issue arose in a facility set up within a residential property.
The minister stated that he does not believe private homes are suitable for bonded warehouse operations due to concerns over safety and regulatory control. He announced that bonded warehouses will now only be permitted in areas fully supervised by customs, with the new regulation already in effect.
Authorities are also investigating a case where a bonded warehouse was abandoned without notifying customs and another business was found operating from the same location.
Minister Ihusan confirmed that customs has ordered payment of duties for goods registered at the warehouse in question. Police and customs officials are continuing their investigations and pursuing legal action regarding the matter.
