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

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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 Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

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

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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