‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK

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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

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