‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding 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,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes 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 many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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