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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted 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 proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” 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 banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

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