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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.