🔗 Share this article

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed 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 “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.