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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.