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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Thousands of residents 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 circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.