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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.