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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, 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.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on 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 “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

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

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.