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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

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

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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