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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” 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.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.