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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist 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 marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “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 company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.