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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking 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 WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover 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 must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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