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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures 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 nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy 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 the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes 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 many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

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