Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.
Campaign in Zambia
Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.
Activist commentary
“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.
More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.
The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.
International corporate influence worries
This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.
“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.
Possible outcomes
“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”
The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.
Company alternative suggestions
Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.
International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.
Scented product controversy
BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends 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 recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
Business explanation
Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”
Critic response
The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.
The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.
“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”
Public health laws 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.”
Standard business position
The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”
The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.
“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.
The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.
