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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

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

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.