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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.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover 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 are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.