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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

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

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

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

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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