‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking 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,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

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

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law 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 corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.