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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% 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 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard 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 subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.