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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

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

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation 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 going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.