🔗 Share this article

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying 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 requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.