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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

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” 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 draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.