🔗 Share this article

The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use 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 total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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