‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa which are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.