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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” 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 firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass 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 are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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