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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

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

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation 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 “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.