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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking 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,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.