‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

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

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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