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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

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

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover 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 sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.