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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover 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 must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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