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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from 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 different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

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

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws 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.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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