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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved 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 regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing 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”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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