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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.