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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

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

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.