‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa that are mandatory in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

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