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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties 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 draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.