‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for 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 proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.