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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming 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”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence 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 “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.