🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” 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 prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments 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 multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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