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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding 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,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted 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 regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations 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 cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, 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 accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

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