🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation 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 going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications 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 many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.