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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” 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 proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises 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”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.