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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

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 understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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