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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds 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. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change 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 live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – 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 community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.