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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on 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 different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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