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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.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list 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 proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations 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 corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.