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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.