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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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