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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, 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.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

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 principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.