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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections 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 elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list 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 different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

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

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.