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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

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments 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, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.