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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy 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 nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law 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 the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.