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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.