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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations 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 operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.