🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

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

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.