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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to 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.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.