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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property 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 subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.