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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

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.