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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.