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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions 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.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by 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.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests 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”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.