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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions 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.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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