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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” 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 proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls 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,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

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