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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation 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 claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.