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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive 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 “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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