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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests 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”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

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