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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws 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

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.