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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved 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 regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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