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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned 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 public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco 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 benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.