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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.