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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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