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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.