‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa that are law in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent 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 company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests 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 suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said 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 “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.