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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said 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 expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.