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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying 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 African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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,” commented Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

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