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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “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 corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating 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 succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated 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 human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties 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 pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated 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 fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property 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 generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.