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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented 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 tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent 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

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

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