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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne 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 requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list 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 various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.