‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.