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

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

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

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “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.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

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

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.