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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes 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 numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries 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: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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