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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection 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 proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.