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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” 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 outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.