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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – 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 neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.