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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.