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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – 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 succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.