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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.