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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.