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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

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

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product 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”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.