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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage 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

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.