‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa that are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends 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”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends 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 draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

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

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.