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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said 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 reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.