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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 company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by 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 “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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 fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.