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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions 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 permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to 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 unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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