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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, 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 community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests 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 suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated 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 reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

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