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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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 the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from 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 different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

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

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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