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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed 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 garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.