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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.