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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures 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 requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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 circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.