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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage 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

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

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

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.