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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws 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 stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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