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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

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

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.