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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection 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 draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.