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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, 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 community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half 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 sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – 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 total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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