‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.
African regulatory opposition
Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.
The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.
Activist commentary
“As an elected official, 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.
Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.
The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.
International corporate influence worries
The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.
Potential consequences
“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”
The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.
Business countermeasures
Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.
International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.
Scented product controversy
The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.
Corporate defense
Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”
Campaigner rebuttal
The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.
The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.
“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”
Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”
Formal company response
The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”
The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.
“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.
Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.
