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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments 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,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“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 progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect 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 “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.