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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures 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 demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by 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 ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.