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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

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

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard 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 neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.