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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

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