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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% 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 nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.