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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.