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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking 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,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” 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 draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.