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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health 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 requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% 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 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated 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 reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.