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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on 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 different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.