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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

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

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from 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 various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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