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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 dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments 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 health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations 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 create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.