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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions 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,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

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

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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