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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate 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 changes to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.