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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed 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 including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

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 must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.