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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

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

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.