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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

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.