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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield 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 dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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