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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, 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.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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