‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes 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 many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.