‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health 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 three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.