‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

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 businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield 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 complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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