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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated 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 believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.