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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage 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

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, 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 community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” 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 multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.