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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

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties 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 proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.