‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

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