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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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