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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.