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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

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

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development 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, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.