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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list 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 pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

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