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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.