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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on 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 multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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