🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa which are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK. African regulatory opposition Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred. The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate. Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics. Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks. Global industry interference concerns The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations. “Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. 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 tobacco industry watchdog. Potential consequences “Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.” The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging. Company alternative suggestions Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted. International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back. Scented product controversy The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020. The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”. Business explanation Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” Activist reaction The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”. The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated. “We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.” Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.” Standard business position A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.” The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine. “We support developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”. The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.