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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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