🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.