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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments 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 anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.