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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% 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 packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.