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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection 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 multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.