🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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