‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.
Zambian lobbying efforts
A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The corporation is pursuing modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.
Anti-tobacco campaigner response
“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.
Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to 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 circulation among civil society groups.
Global industry interference concerns
This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.
“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.
Potential consequences
“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”
The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.
Corporate counter-proposals
In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.
Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.
Scented product controversy
The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.
Corporate defense
Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”
Activist reaction
The advocate stated 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 circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.
“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”
Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”
Formal company response
The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”
The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.
The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.
