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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by 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 various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

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 numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.