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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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 health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

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

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.