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

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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 pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“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 anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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