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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“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 public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.