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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions 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.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

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

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.