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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations 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 allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

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

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

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “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 company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.