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

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban 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 visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection 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 recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

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

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … 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. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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