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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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