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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing 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 nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.