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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

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

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

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

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.