‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications 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 multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.