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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

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

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“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 proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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