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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

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

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, 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”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.