‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa which are law in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

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

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

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

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

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.