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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.