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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 dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

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

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.