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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from 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 civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.