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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

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

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes 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 proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.