🔗 Share this article

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

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage 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

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO 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”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional 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. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.