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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents 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 multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

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