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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, 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 primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.