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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding 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.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “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.