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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation 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 three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass 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 removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.