🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“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 tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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