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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.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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