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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – 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 bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.