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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 dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes 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 many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

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

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.