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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.