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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.