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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes 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 operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.