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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions 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 permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader 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 related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.