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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.