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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

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

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.