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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, 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 die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.