‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.
African regulatory opposition
Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.
The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.
Activist commentary
“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.
Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.
The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.
Worldwide lobbying patterns
The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.
Potential consequences
“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”
The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.
Corporate counter-proposals
Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.
The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.
Flavor restrictions debate
The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
Business explanation
In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”
Activist reaction
The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.
The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he stated.
“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”
Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”
Formal company response
A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”
The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.
The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.
