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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians 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 multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications 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 multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.