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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls 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 allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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