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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

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

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming 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 banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, 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 opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.