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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing 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 demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% 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 cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – 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 perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

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

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.