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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate 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 pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules 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 produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.