Ezulwini – A tobacco farmer has challenged the focus of the proposed Eswatini Tobacco Control Bill, 2026, arguing that the harm associated with tobacco should be traced to retailers and importers rather than farmers.
The farmer made the submission during consultations convened by the Ministry of Health with tobacco growers at Bethel Court, as the country moves towards strengthening tobacco control amid concerns that 16.7% of children aged between 13 and 17 use tobacco.
The statistic highlights the public health concerns underpinning the proposed legislation, particularly as the growing use of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, among children raises questions about how effectively young people are being protected from tobacco and nicotine products.
During the consultation, the farmer argued that the implementation of the proposed law should take into account the different roles played by farmers, retailers and importers in the tobacco value chain.
“The harm is not from the farmers, it is from retailers and imports,” he submitted.
He cautioned that the board responsible for implementing the legislation would need to understand the practical implications of its regulatory decisions to ensure that the law was applied appropriately to the different players in the industry.
The farmer also raised concerns about the proposed use of permits and licences, arguing that the two instruments should be applied with consideration for the nature of the businesses they are intended to regulate.
He observed that permits were particularly relevant to people operating in the retail sector and those involved in importing tobacco products, while suggesting that farmers should be issued licences.
According to the farmer, licences would be more suitable for growers because of their greater durability compared with permits. His submission pointed to the need for clarity on the requirements that tobacco farmers would have to meet under the proposed law, as well as how these would differ from the obligations imposed on retailers and importers.
The concerns raise questions about how the proposed regulatory framework will distinguish between tobacco production and the commercial activities through which tobacco products reach consumers.
While the farmer called for an approach that recognizes the position of growers within the industry, the public health concerns surrounding tobacco use among children remain a key issue in the consultations.
The reported 16.7% tobacco-use rate among children aged 13 to 17 underscores the importance of examining how tobacco products are accessed by minors. The growing popularity of vaping has added another dimension to the challenge, with concerns that some parents and guardians may not be aware that their children are using electronic cigarettes.
The proposed Tobacco Control Bill, 2026, is intended to strengthen the country’s tobacco-control framework. The ongoing consultations provide an opportunity for affected stakeholders to raise concerns about how the proposed provisions could affect their operations and livelihoods.
For tobacco growers, the debate centres on how the law will regulate their activities without treating them in the same way as retailers and importers. For public health authorities, the reported use of tobacco among minors presents a pressing concern that the proposed framework must address.
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