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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

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

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation 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 being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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