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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.