‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

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

The public health measure going 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.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.