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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.