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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.