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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating 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 the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year 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 main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.