🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection 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 proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.