‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa which are law in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. 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

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to 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 campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.