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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said 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 reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.