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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.