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

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

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 main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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