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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals 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 “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.