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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced 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 advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – 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 perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.