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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.