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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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