🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

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

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.