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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents 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 several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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