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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” 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 banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist 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 profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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