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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed 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 mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.