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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass 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 are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law 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 operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.