‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

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

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size 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.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure 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 going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

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

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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