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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations 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.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.