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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions 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.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.