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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through 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.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect 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 “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.