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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.