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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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 health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that 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 community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.