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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.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from 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 public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend 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 nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.