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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.