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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking 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,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that 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 community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.