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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” 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 firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.