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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation 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 the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.