‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

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

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

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

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.