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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, 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.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks 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 “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.