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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.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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