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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated 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 circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.