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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating 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,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.