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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

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

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.