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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover 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 elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.