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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties 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.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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 lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said 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 circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.