‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa which are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering 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.

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,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

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

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued 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 existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.