🔗 Share this article

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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.