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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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 three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

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