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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence 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 “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws 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.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.