‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

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

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

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

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.