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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from 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 multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.