‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties 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 recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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