🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa which are law in UK The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred. The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate. Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations. Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks. International corporate influence worries The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions. “There is proof of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday. Possible outcomes “When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.” The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging. Corporate counter-proposals Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved. International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back. Flavor restrictions debate The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020. The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”. Business explanation In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” Critic response The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”. The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said. “We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.” Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.” Standard business position The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.” The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine. “We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”. Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.