🔗 Share this article

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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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 graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds 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 push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.