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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

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 fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.