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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense 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 tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives 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 graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – 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 absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.