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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises 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 need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.