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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.