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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.