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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.