‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.