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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% 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 sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued 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 reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.