‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.