🔗 Share this article

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

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming 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”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.