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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place 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 advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.