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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks 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 watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“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 being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

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