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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “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 pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.