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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated 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 reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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