🔗 Share this article

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.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection 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 World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “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”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

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

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.