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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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