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

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law 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 the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illicit trade”.

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