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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill 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 companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted 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 measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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