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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection 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 draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.