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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.