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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

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