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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued 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 reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield 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 neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.