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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“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 being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.