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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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