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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.