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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” 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 company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

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

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

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

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.