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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

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

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

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

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated 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 reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.