‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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 die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued 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 reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.