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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

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. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list 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 suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.