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

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

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

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.