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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” 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 outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard 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 future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

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

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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