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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, 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 civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through 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

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.