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

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.