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

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.