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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.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

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

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations 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 “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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