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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” 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 prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use 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 complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.