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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes 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 suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

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

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.