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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains 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 create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.