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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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 Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list 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 multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director 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 connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

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