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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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