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The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” 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.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden 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 subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

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

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.