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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications 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 many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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