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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch 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 claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.