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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size 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.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers 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 prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

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

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

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

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.