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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions 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”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

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