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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

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 visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent 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 sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.