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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

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

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts 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 relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.