🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.