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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.