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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof 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 international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

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

The anti-smoking legislation 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.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” 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 proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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