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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing 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.

Health advocate reaction

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.