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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed 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 “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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