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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes 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 suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.