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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.