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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill 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 three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

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