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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Thousands of residents a year die 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 circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.