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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO 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”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.