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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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