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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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