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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through 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

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.