‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa that are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes 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 recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in 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 family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation 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.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.