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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.