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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.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

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

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. 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 subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.