🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures 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 African officials demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

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

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.