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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half 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 cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.