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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place 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 company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.