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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, 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 die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further 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, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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