‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK
British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.
Zambian lobbying efforts
Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.
Activist commentary
“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.
More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.
The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.
Worldwide lobbying patterns
The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.
Likely impacts
“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”
The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.
Company alternative suggestions
Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.
The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.
Flavor restrictions debate
BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.
Company justification
In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Critic response
The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.
The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.
“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”
Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”
Standard business position
The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”
The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.
“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.
Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.
