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

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

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

“We support developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

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