🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK. African regulatory opposition Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred. The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner. Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations. The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations. Global industry interference concerns It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations. “We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday. Potential consequences “When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.” The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging. Company alternative suggestions Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved. Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces. Flavor restrictions debate BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties 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 recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”. Company justification Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” Activist reaction The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”. The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said. “We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.” Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.” Formal company response A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.” The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine. “We champion progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”. Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.