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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.