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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

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

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.