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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support 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 “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.