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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

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 scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises 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 doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says 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 unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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