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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.