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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement 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 exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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