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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced 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 proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

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

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises 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”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.