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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated 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 multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield 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 failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.