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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

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.