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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

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

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.