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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Thousands of residents a year pass away 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 distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications 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 operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco 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 benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.