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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect 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 company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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