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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health 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 stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.