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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

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

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia 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 “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

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

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.