‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

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

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations 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 BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.