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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.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking 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,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed 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 stated.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

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.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.