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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. 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”, they said, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.