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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties 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 draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation 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 commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.