‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, 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 deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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