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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.