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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters 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 tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.