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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” 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 draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence 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 corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.