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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure 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 progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments 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 numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.