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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “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 outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.