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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions 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

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … 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. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.