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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

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

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.