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

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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