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

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

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

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.