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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts 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 necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

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

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.