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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.