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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.