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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, 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 flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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