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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts 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 allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that 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 perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.