‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.
African regulatory opposition
A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.
The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.
Activist commentary
“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.
Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.
Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.
International corporate influence worries
It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.
“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.
Potential consequences
“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”
The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.
Business countermeasures
In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.
The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.
Flavor restrictions debate
BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.
Business explanation
Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”
Campaigner rebuttal
Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.
The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.
“We reside in a international community. 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 future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”
Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”
Official corporate statement
A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”
The corporation remained “not against rules”, they said, adding that young individuals should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.
Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.