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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.