‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” 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 firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover 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.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation 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 the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.