🔗 Share this article

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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit 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 stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO 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 nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.