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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said 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 known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.