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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.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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 visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.