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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.