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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.