‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa that are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. 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,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure 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.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations 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 existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.