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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments 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,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

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

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.