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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy 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 must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.