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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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