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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by 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 percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

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