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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

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, 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,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

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

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.