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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” 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 potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “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 packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes 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 draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.