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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection 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 draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.