‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

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 were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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