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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

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

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence 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 “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.