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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes 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 proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.