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

African regulatory opposition

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

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through 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.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties 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 proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid 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 absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

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

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.