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

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia 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 asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

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