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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list 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 draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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