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

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

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

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.