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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list 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 pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments 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 “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – 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 dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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