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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

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

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.