🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit 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 pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

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

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

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