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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased 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 caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – 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 neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.