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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list 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 proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

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

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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