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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list 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 draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes 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 BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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