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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

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

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs 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 relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.