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

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends 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”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence 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 “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

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