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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by 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 different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation 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 company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

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